Ireland’s first female track and field Olympian Maeve Kyle dies aged 96

Olympian Maeve Kyle has sadly passed away

Kyle has been fondly remembered as a trailblazer for women’s sport in Ireland. She has also been remembered as "one of Ireland’s all-time greats on the track."

Maeve Kyle competed in three consecutive Olympic Games - Melbourne 1956, Rome 1960, and Tokyo 1964. An immense achievement at a time when there were so few opportunities and very little respect for women in sport.

The celebrated athlete became the first Irish female track and field Olympian in the 1956 Summer Games in Melbourne.

Kyle was a successful sprinter and middle-distance runner, representing Ireland in the 100m and 200m sprints in the 1956 and 1960 Olympics.

At the age of 36, she reached the semi-finals of the 400m in Tokyo 1964.

The Olympian was also a successful hockey player before making the move to athletics.

She was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Irish Sports Council.

Maeve Kyle is survived by her daughter Shauna. Her husband Sean passed away in November 2015.

Athletics Ireland led the tributes following news of Maeve's passing.

"On behalf of the athletics community across Ireland, Athletics Ireland extend our heartfelt condolences to her daughter Shauna, her granddaughter Indy, to the extended Kyle and Shankey families, her many friends, and all those whose lives she touched through her extraordinary career and enduring legacy."

Lochlann Walsh, President of the Olympic Federation of Ireland, said:

“We have lost a legend of Irish Olympic Sport who rose to the top despite huge challenges in 1950s Ireland. She was an inspiration to us all. May she rest in peace.”