OCI urged to honor Brazilian marathon runner

Fine Gael has called on Irish Olympic chiefs to honour Brazilian marathon runner Vanderlei de Lima at a special ceremony in Croke Park on All Ireland Final Day.

De Lima was in gold medal position in the closing stages of the Men’s Marathon in Athens on Sunday when he was suddenly obstructed by ex-Kerry priest Neil Horan.

The shaken athlete resumed his race but was later overtaken by rivals and ended up coming third to claim the bronze medal.

Today, Fine Gael’s Sport spokesman Jimmy Deenihan said the Irish Olympic Council should recognise the injustice of the attack and should "recognise his Olympic spirit and display of fair play".

Deputy Deenihan, a veteran of several All Ireland Final days as a Kerry footballer, explained: “De Lima has shown great grace in dealing with such a distressing occurrence.

“I think it would be only right for the OCI to honour his decorous conduct with a reception in Dublin.

“Perhaps it may be appropriate for a presentation to be made to de Lima on All Ireland Final Day at Croke Park.”

Deputy Deenihan called on the OCI to consult with the GAA on his suggestion so it can be arranged as soon as possible.

The All Ireland Hurling Final takes place on September 12 while the climax of the football championship season is two weeks later.

A spokesman for the OCI said the TD’s suggestion was “a nice idea” but added that the logistics in planning such a visit at short notice may prove difficult.