Irish athletics mourns sudden death of Olympic marathon runner Pat Hooper

After hanging up his racing shoes, Hooper remained a constant sight at events around the country

Pat Hooper pictured at the National Senior Indoor Athletics Championships last March. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Irish athletics is in mourning today after the sudden death of Olympian Pat Hooper, who passed away at the age of 68 after a suspected heart attack.

Hooper was one of the best-loved figures in the sport. He ran his marathon personal best of 2:17:46 to win the national title in 1979, and the following year he competed at the Moscow Olympics, finishing 42nd in the marathon. In 1978 he represented Ireland at the European Championships marathon in Prague, finishing 27th.