Wife of Ronnie Delany dies two days after his funeral

Olivia Kelleher

The death has occurred of Joan Delany, the wife of Olympic gold medallist Ronnie Delaney, who passed away just 10 days ago.

Ronnie and Joan were married for 64 years.

Last Monday, Ronnie Delany Jnr told mourners gathered at a funeral mass in Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church in Foxrock in Dublin that his father had won his second gold medal when he met his beloved Joan.

He said that he and his sisters “were lucky to have parents who adored each other.”

Delany, who was late of Carrickmines and formerly of Dundrum, was unable to attend the mass as she was in hospital. She watched the ceremony via Webcam.

She passed away on Wednesday, just two days after the funeral of her husband.

Delany was surrounded by her devoted family and in the compassionate care of staff at the Blackrock Clinic in Dublin.

In a funeral notice on Rip.ie her family said that the couple were “reunited once more in gentle peace.” Delany was predeceased by her sister Ann and her brother Brian.

She is survived by her adult children, Lisa, Ronnie, Jennie and Michelle (Mimi), her grandchildren and great granddaughter, her sons and daughter-in-law, her sister Pat and Sally, nieces, nephews, extended family and a wide circle of loyal friends.

Her family described her as a “kind and loving presence in the lives of all who knew her”

“Joan will be remembered always for her beauty, warmth, grace and quiet strength.”

A funeral mass took place at St Brigid’s Church in Cabinteely in Dublin on Saturday at 11 am. A private cremation service will follow.