Former GAA President awarded RCPI fellowship
June 16, 2009
Pictured at the proposal of Dr Michael Loftus as an honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland are from left: Dr Diarmuid O'Shea, Vice President of Education and Professional Development, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dr John Donohoe, President, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dr Michael Loftus and Mr Leo Kearns, CEO, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland
Former GAA President, Dr Michael Loftus, has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland (RCPI), in recognition of his outstanding service to sport and medicine in Ireland.
The honour, bestowed at a College ceremony on Friday June 5, is the highest the RCPI can bestow, and is reserved for world leaders in medical science and exceptional contributors to the welfare of the national and international communities. Dr Loftus was recognised for his work with local, national and government agencies and governing bodies on the issues of alcohol misuse and abuse, and of ageing.
Dr Loftus, who has run his own clinic in Crossmolina since 1957, said: "I'm surprised but deeply honoured with this Fellowship, and thrilled with this auspicious occasion. I'm particularly happy that the RCPI has chosen the 125th Anniversary of the Foundation of the GAA to acknowledge the long-standing medical involvement with the Association."
Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Criostóir Ó Cuana, acknowledged the award made to Dr Loftus.
He said: "Dr Loftus' contribution to the GAA over a prolonged period has been immense but his dedication to his profession over the same time span has been no less admirable.
"This award is a coveted one and one that underlines the incredible work undertaken by Dr Loftus with the intention of enhancing the lifestyles of so many people across a wide spectrum of Irish society. We congratulate him and wish him continued success in his future work."
Dr Loftus served as President of the Association from 1985 to 1988, and previously won a Senior County Championship medal with his club, Crossmolina, as well as two Junior Football All-Ireland medals with Mayo. He later excelled as a referee, presiding over All-Ireland Senior Football Finals in 1965 and 1968, before election to the GAA's highest office in the Association's Centenary Year of 1984.
Dr Loftus's dedication to sport and fitness is ongoing. In 2004 he broke the world record for his age category in 2,000m, and claimed one gold and three silver medals at the US World Senior Games in Utah in 2006.
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