Dermot McDermott

Dublin and Leinster champion Dermot McDermott was also a four-time National Athletic and Cyclists’ Association of Ireland (NACAI) champion of Ireland at 880 yards (1943-44, 1948) and one mile (1948). Despite his successes, McDermott never represented Ireland on the international stage, despite being selected for the 1948 Olympics. Although chosen to compete in the 800 metres at the London Games, McDermott was a non-starter because, being a member of the NACAI, he was involved in the politics of the day involving the NACAI, IAAF and IOC, and was subsequently barred from taking part. The problem stemmed from the NACAI being suspended by the IAAAF in 1937 because they refused to confine their activities solely to the then Irish Free State, and consequently their members were not allowed to compete at the Olympics.

McDermott later joined Bórd Lúthchleas na hÉireann (BLE) (the forerunner of Athletics Ireland) as the Irish team manager before joining the executive committee as treasurer. He continued racing at the highest level until just before his 40th birthday.