Robin Hennessy competed in the men’s Dragon class sailing at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games as helmsman alongside Harry Byrne and Joe MacMenamin (who crewed in the first two races before being replaced by Treen Morris), finishing 16th of 26 boats.

The crew had established themselves as credible medal candidates in the pre-Olympic circuit, with the illness of original crew member Owen Delany – whose tactical expertise and strategic advice had been the cornerstone of their preparation – requiring a late crew change that affected their campaign.

As helmsman, Hennessy was able to focus on his sailing while the substitute crew managed the tactical elements as best they could.