Athletics coach Johnny was a wonderful volunteer and role model

CHAMPION sprinter Rhasidat Adeleke paid an emotional tribute to her first coach, Johnny Fox, after the Tallaght man, who also founded Darkness Into Light, passed away last weekend at age 83.

Johnny was a dedicated coach and mentor in Tallaght Athletics Club, which he also founded, and helped many young athletes to rise through the ranks with his unerring support and guidance.

Speaking from her training base at the University of Texas at Austin on Monday, Rhasidat recalled the lasting impact that Johnny’s influence had on her as an athlete and a person.

“He was my first coach at Tallaght since I was about 12, 13, and he built me up so much,” she said.

“Not just as an athlete, but my characteristics as an individual. He showed me the values to have in life, and he is so wise.

“He lived through so many experiences and shared those with me so I can learn from those experiences and not have to endure certain things myself. He did so much for me.”

She also praised the Killinarden man’s cheerful disposition and said, “He just was so invested in his athletes, making sure they were progressing.”

Johnny with Rhasidat at theTallaght Athletic Club track

This sentiment was echoed by coach Cecil Johnson from Tallaght AC, who was a close friend of Johnny’s and last saw him the day before he passed away in hospital.

“Johnny’s legacy will be all that he has done for and the support he has given to young athletes in the club over the years,” Cecil told The Echo,

“and he’ll certainly be remembered for the man he was.

“He was a great friend to everybody, a wonderful individual who was admired and respected by everyone he knew.”

Johnny never sought praise and when he won a National Volunteer Award in 2019, he used it as opportunity to highlight the volunteers in Tallaght whose work goes unnoticed.

When asked how Johnny would feel about the tributes being paid to him, Cecil said: “He certainly didn’t expect any accolades.

“But his daughter said to me that he’d be thrilled and delighted to see the support people are giving to him and his family.

“I’m sure that could be related back as an expression of the love, gratitude, respect and admiration that people had for him because of what he did for everyone – he certainly will be sorely missed.”

Frank Greally, an Athletics Ireland Ambassador for The Daily Mile, also paid tribute to Johnny for his commitment to Tallaght AC and his sporting ability.

“Johnny was a wonderful volunteer role model who gave wholeheartedly of his time and coaching expertise to his club and local community for over five decades,” wrote Frank in a post on Tallaght AC’s Facebook page.

“He was a fine athlete too; first with St Augustine’s AC and then Metro St Brigid’s, then Brothers Pearse AC.

“He then settled at Tallaght AC where he gave over 50 years’ service as a coach.

“I remember one time in the early 1980s when Johnny completed a 50-mile charity fundraiser, running continuous laps alone around the Square in Tallaght.”

Johnny’s charitable spirit was also evident in 2009, when himself and his beloved wife Gertie helped to arrange Pieta House’s first ever Darkness Into Light fundraiser in the Phoenix Park.

The inseparable couple decided to organise the fundraiser for Pieta House after they accessed the mental health service’s supports when they lost their 24-year-old son Fergal to suicide in 2008.

Commenting on Johnny and Gertie’s endless love for each other and Johnny’s lasting legacy, Frank wrote: “Johnny and Gertie had 12 children and as a couple they were inseparable, always together and a joy to meet.

“Johnny always made sure to let you know that meeting Gertie was the best thing that happened in his life. ‘Gertie has always been my rock,’ Johnny told me.

“Johnny Fox will long be remembered for his generosity of spirit and for his tireless commitment to Tallaght AC, Irish athletics and Pieta House.

“Thoughts and prayers are with his wife Gertie and family. A Great Volunteer, Gone Home.”

Johnny passed away on Sunday, April 14, at Tallaght University Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Johnny was predeceased by his much-loved sons Robert and Fergal.

He was the loving husband of Gertie and loving dad to Carmel, Seán, Margaret, David, Cíaran, Charlotte, Susan, Michelle, Audrey and Anthony.

Johnny will be sadly missed and forever loved by his family, sisters-in-law, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and his wide circle of friends.

His funeral Mass will be held in St Mary’s Priory this Friday, April 19, at 11am and afterwards to Newlands Cross Crematorium.