Councillor Gary Prior, Ita Reynolds (Ballinamore Municipal Chairperson), Paddy O'Rourke, (Cathaoirleach, Leitrim County Council), Gregory Smyth (Chairperson Ballinamore AC), Patricia Griffin (former International athlete), Brid Golden (President AAI), Padraig Griffin (former President), Alan Burke (Manager, Ballinamore AIB), Martin Kenny TD.

Achievements of hammer thrower remembered

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The memory of a legendary sports figure was celebrated in Ballinamore this week.

On Monday last Ballinamore Athletic Club and Allied Irish Bank installed a plaque at the bank in memory of William (Bill) Britton who achieved impressive sporting feats in the 1920s.

Between 1922 and 1927, while manager of the branch, Bill won four Irish National Hammer Throwing titles and represented Ireland against England and Scotland in 1923, 1925 and 1926.

Transferred to the Cavan Branch in 1927 Bill went on to win two more National titles, three English AAA titles and became the only athlete to win an Empire/Commonwealth Games medal representing Ireland when taking second to Malcolm Nokes of England at the inaugural Empire Games in Ontario, Canada, in 1930.

The plaque was unveiled by Athletics Ireland President Brid Golden as part of the Club's 60th Anniversary celebrations.

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