The Mullingar based Waterford man has been very busy examining documents, reports, newspaper cuttings, personal papers, OCI minutes of meetings and masses of sporting memorabilia in his search of Irish Olympism’s valuable and fascinating history.
He has unearthed many interesting new facts, insights, reports and documents from the early twenties and thirties and says the work to date has been challenging but always interesting.
For example, the documentation on Ireland’s participation in the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles reveal that Ireland had three Olympic heroes there – gold medallists Dr. Pat O’Callaghan and Bob Tisdall – and the controversial historical personality General Eoin O’Duffy (then OCI President) who apparently played an immense and unheralded role in Ireland’s success.
“Without O’Duffy’s drive it is possible that Ireland might not have been represented in Los Angeles”, said Dr. Hunt.
Dr. Hunt, who holds a doctorate in sports history, is on target to complete his book by the end of 2012. He is currently interviewing many Olympians (a recent one being a member of the 1948 team).
He is anxious to hear from former Olympians or their descendents who wish to tell their Olympic story and who might have memorabilia which can be copied (and returned to its owner) and used to illustrate this important book which will tell Ireland’s Olympic journey since the foundation of the State.
Dr.Tom Hunt can be contacted at 086 384 2702 or by email at [email protected]
