Top Irish triathlon star dies in training accident cycle tragedy in France

IRELAND’S top female triathlete has been tragically killed while training in France.

Caroline Kearney was knocked down yesterday evening while training with a group of cyclists near Nice.

The 24-year-old, from Donabate, Co Dublin, was Ireland’s national triathlon champion in 2000, 2001 and 2002 and was training full-time to secure qualification for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

It is understood Caroline’s family are making their way to France.

Just weeks ago Caroline, who was described as being a talented and focused athlete, appealed for sponsorship to get her to the games.

Through the Triathlon Ireland website, she wrote that she hoped to be the first female Irish triathlete to compete in the Olympic Games and believed she had the ability to gain qualification.

John Cunniffe, of Triathlon Ireland, paid tribute to the talented star.

“Caroline was on the scene for a long time, eight or nine years,” he said.

“She was a dedicated and professional athlete and we are all gutted. “We are trying to do all we can to support her family the best we can.”