Athletics Wicklow legend taken by surprise on his 80th birthday
'It's not very often that this gentleman is taken by surprise, but on Thursday evening, July 31, Cyril Smyth was caught off guard at his 80th birthday celebrations in the Grove Inn,' Athletics Lenister posted on their social channels after the party.
'Friends and colleagues from Athletics Ireland and Athletics Leinster also gathered to pay tribute to Cyril's lifelong dedication to the sport. The turnout reflected the enormous respect and affection in which Cyril is held – not just for years, but for decades of unwavering service to athletics,' it said.
The event was organised by Wicklow Athletics County Board and Bray Runners AC, Cyril's own club, to mark this special milestone. On behalf of Athletics Wicklow clubs, chairperson Billy Porter presented Cyril with a specially commissioned painting from local artist Lynda Bremner, while Bray Runners AC chairperson, Richard Hourihan, presented Cyril with a beautiful portrait by Debbie Donohoe. An Ireland polo shirt on behalf of Athletics Ireland was also presented to Cyril by Brid Golden, Athletics Ireland president.
To complete the evening, Bray Runners AC rolled out a themed cake in the colours of Cyril's club, Bray Runners AC.
Cyril has been involved with Bray Runners since 1984, when he serendipitously met with a club member while running the Cliff Walk from Bray to Greystones – which has now been closed for nearly five years.
Originally from Dunoon, near Clyde in Scotland, he began his athletics involvement as a starter official at county championships in 1990. He was a member of staff at Trinity College Dublin when he got involved with assisting at athletic events in College Park, in the 1980s.
In a separate tribute, Bray Runners wrote: 'A long-time devoted member of Bray Runners, Cyril is a familiar and highly respected face at the start line of so many races and has devoted many many years to Irish athletics.
'His professionalism as a race starter and passion for the sport sets a wonderful example for all of us.'
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