Tributes paid to Ireland’s first female track and field Olympian and 'trailblazer' in Irish sport

Sarah Slater

Tributes are being paid to Ireland’s first female track and field Olympian, Maeve Kyle, who was “a trailblazer” in Irish sport.

Ms Kyle, who died at the age of 96, was born in Kilkenny in 1928. She made history at the 1956 Melbourne Games, competing in the 100m and 200m.

A former Kilkenny College student, she went on to represent Ireland at three Olympic Games, becoming the nation’s first triple Olympian.

Also a star in Irish hockey, she earned 58 caps and was twice named to the World All Star team.

Athletics Ireland in a statement said it is "deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our esteemed Life Vice President Maeve Kyle.”

They said that Ms Kyle was a “true pioneer of Irish sport and one of our most iconic and inspirational athletes and she broke new ground for women in Irish athletics.”

She represented the country with distinction at the Melbourne 1956, Rome 1960, and Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games. At the Tokyo Games, she reached the semifinals in both the 400m and 800m.

Maeve went on to win a bronze medal in the 400m at the 1966 European Indoor Championships in Dortmund and continued to compete with distinction in the Masters category, winning world titles and setting world records.

“Her presence on the international stage opened doors for countless others, and it was her courage, determination, and dignity on and off the track that truly set her apart,” continued Athletics Ireland.

A gifted multi-sport athlete, Ms Kyle also became a renowned coach, working alongside her beloved late husband, Sean, to help shape generations of Irish athletes including their daughter Shauna.

She completed her involvement in a fourth Olympic Games by serving as coach to the Irish track and field team at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

“Her contribution to athletics spanned decades, from her ground-breaking career as a competitor to her roles as a coach, mentor, administrator, official, and advocate for women in sport and coaching structures,” the statement added.

“Maeve Kyle was more than a legend; she was a torchbearer who lit the path for those who followed. Her legacy lives on in the athletes she inspired and the standards she set.

“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.

She was also appointed an OBE for her services to sport.

A spokesperson for the Kilkenny College said: “Maeve Kyle’s legacy as a trailblazer in Irish sport will never be forgotten."