Tribute written by President of Athletics Ireland John Cronin
Athletics Ireland is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our inaugural President, Nick Davis (RIP), Liffey Valley Athletic Club, a towering figure in Irish athletics whose lifelong dedication left an indelible mark at every level, from grassroots to the global stage.
Nick’s journey in athletics began as a sprinter with South Dublin Harriers, specialising in the 200m and 400m, where he earned Leinster Senior medals and displayed a formidable competitive spirit. Unusually for a sprinter, he also thrived in cross country, winning Dublin and Leinster medals with the Avondale team that captured the Leinster Intermediate title. His love for challenge and endurance even extended to completing a marathon.
As a coach, Nick’s influence was profound. A founding member of Liffey Valley Athletic Club in 1974, he was appointed club coach from its inception. Under his leadership, the club quickly rose to prominence, claiming multiple regional and national team titles. In its very first year, he guided the late Tom Brennan to victory in the National Senior Men’s Cross-Country Championship (1975), and shortly after, coached his wife, Kathryn Davis, to the National Senior Women’s Cross-Country title in 1978. When the club’s women’s section was revived in the early 2000s, Nick once again stepped forward as coach, leading athletes to success at Dublin, Leinster, and national level.
Nick’s contribution to athletics governance was equally distinguished. He was the inaugural President of the Athletics Association of Ireland upon its formation in late 1999, playing a pivotal role in shaping the modern era of the sport in Ireland. His passion for administration and leadership began early on, from serving as a club secretary, progressing through the Dublin County Board and Leinster Provincial Council, and being elected to the National Executive in the early 1970s. His contribution at national level spanned more than four decades.
Nick often recalled with pride how the legendary Billy Morton once referred to him as a “Young Turk” during a Dublin County Board meeting a true badge of honour from one of the great icons of Irish athletics, recognising Nick’s bold vision and determination to drive progress. Decades later, that same passion remained undimmed, as he continued to play an active role in the Dublin athletics scene, particularly through his enduring commitment to the Dublin Graded Meetings an event he cherished and championed with pride.
His leadership extended to the European stage, where he served as a valued member of the European Athletics Development Committee/Commission from 1995 until 2023. He also served as an International Technical Official at European level from 1995 to 2005. At World Athletics level, he played key roles in the organisation of the two World Cross Country Championships held in Ireland Limerick in 1979 and Leopardstown in 2002. He was President of the Local Organising Committee for the 2002 event.
Nick received awards at national, European, and World level. One particularly proud moment came in Doha in 2019 when he was presented with the World Athletics Veterans Pin an honour that recognised his decades of dedication and was shared proudly by his family and the Irish athletics community. Nick was awarded the title of Life Vice President in 2016 and given a Lifetime Achievement award in 2019 by Athletics Ireland. European Athletics awarded him the prestigious Plaque of Merit in 2013. He proudly represented Ireland at countless international congresses, conventions and meetings.
Nick also served as Team Manager for Irish squads at the 1996 Olympic Games, the 1997 World Championships, and numerous other international events, offering his guidance, professionalism, and steadfast support to generations of Irish athletes as they competed on the world stage. His brother Jim served as an Olympic coach in 2004, making the Davis brothers the only siblings to serve on the Irish Athletics management team at the Olympic Games.
To the wider public, Nick was perhaps best known as the voice of Irish athletics. For many years, he was a trusted correspondent for RTÉ Radio Sport, bringing energy, insight, and passion to his commentary. He was also the familiar voice behind the microphone at countless domestic and international athletics events, including the European and World Cross Country Championships hosted in Ireland.
Nick Davis leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire. His vision, leadership, and unwavering love for athletics enriched the lives of all who had the privilege to work alongside him or learn from him.
Irish Runner Magazine extends its deepest sympathies to his beloved wife Kathryn, who was always at his side and equally immersed in our wonderful sport; his devoted children Fiona, Colm and Eoin; his brother Jim, who travelled the coaching pathway with him and shared his love of athletics; the wider Davis family; his clubmates at Liffey Valley Athletic Club; and his many friends in Ireland and around the world.
Nick’s impact on our sport is immeasurable, and he will be remembered with great affection and immense respect by all in the athletics community.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Funeral arrangements can be viewed HERE.
