Running Rings Around the Empire: The 1908 Olympics
Statues in Nenagh, County Tipperary, of three Olympic gold medalists from or with Nenagh connections. Left to right, 1908 Olympians Matt McGrath, Johnny Hayes, and Bob Tisdall, who won a gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. (Photo courtesy Nenagh Olympic Athletic Club) By Roger McGrath, Contributor
In 1908, as the world’s attention focused on the Olympic Games in London, Britain had decided again not to allow Ireland to field its own team, imperiously stating, “Ireland is not a nation.” All Irish athletes would have to compete as members of the British team.