CIARÁN Ó Lionáird has been described as ‘one of Ireland’s finest middle-distance runners of his generation’.

Ó Lionáird, raised outside Macroom, had died in Montreal, Canada, aged 38.

‘Ciarán’s exceptional talent was evident from an early age as he claimed national medals with West Muskerry AC, later joining Leevale AC, where he trained under the guidance of Der O’Donovan,’ Athletics Ireland said in a statement .

‘His rise through the ranks included a bronze medal in the 1500m at the 2005 European Youth Olympic Festival and a 10th-place finish in the World U20 1500m final. Ciarán subsequently accepted a scholarship to the University of Michigan before transferring to Florida State University, where he enjoyed considerable success. His collegiate career culminated in earning All-American honours at the 2010 NCAA Division I Men’s Cross Country Championships.’

There were many highlights in Ó Lionáird’s career, including running a personal best of 3:34.46 for 1500m to qualify for the World Athletics Championships in Daegu. There, he finished tenth in the world final.

‘His time remains one of the fastest ever recorded by an Irish athlete and places him seventh on the Irish all-time list for 1500m,’ Athletics Ireland confirmed.

He also represented Ireland at the London 2012 Olympics.

‘Another career highlight followed in 2013 when he won bronze in the 3000m at the European Indoor Championships in Gothenburg. A series of persistent injuries saw him announce his retirement from competitive athletics in 2016.

‘Everyone at Athletics Ireland extends their deepest sympathies to Ciarán’s family, friends, former teammates, coaches, and all who knew him.’