John O'Grady (1892-1934) was selected to carry the Irish flag at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris. The Limerick-born weight thrower had won some national and international titles by the time he was asked to bear the flag at Ireland's first ever Olympics. I have just written an Irish Diary in today's Irish Times about O'Grady's life and times. Read it here.
John O'Grady was one of a team of 48 Irish athletes (including swimmers, tennis players, soccer players and others) to represent their country in Paris in 1924. Sadly, the athletes did not manage to bring any medals back with them but some of our artists did. For more information on Ireland's first foray into the Olympics, read my RTÉ Brainstorm article.
O'Grady is remembered in his native city by a monument that sits on Mulgrave Street (photo below). Unveiled in 1937, it is in the shape of a weight and is made of limestone. It is a landmark in the city and has been taken to their hearts by Limerick's citizens.
