Niall O'Shaughnessy
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Irish |
| Born | November 23, 1955 |
| Died | September 16, 2015 (aged 59) |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Athletics |
| Event(s) | Track and field |
Niall O'Shaughnessy (November 23, 1955 – September 16, 2015 Alpharetta, Georgia) was an Irish track and field athlete, specializing in middle distances. He represented Ireland in the 800 metres and 1500 metres at the 1976 Olympics. In the 1500, he finished less than .2 behind former 880 world record holder Rick Wohlhuter who took the last qualifying spot in his heat behind eventual double silver medalist Ivo Van Damme and bronze medalist Paul-Heinz Wellmann. Earlier in the 800, Van Damme had also defeated O'Shaughnessy in the heats, en route to his other silver medal.[1]
O'Shaughnessy came from Kilknockan, County Limerick and attended St Munchin's College but was recruited by Irishman John McDonnell to the University of Arkansas in the United States where he eventually settled. He was the 1974 Southwest Conference champion in the indoor 880. He was All American in cross-country, indoor track, and outdoor track. He was inducted into the University of Arkansas Athletic Hall of Honor in 1994.[2]
He later gained American citizenship and became an engineer in Little Rock and Atlanta.[3]
O'Shaughnessy died at 59 as a consequence of brain cancer. After his death he was inducted into the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame.[3]
References
- ^ "Razorback Great Niall O'Shaughnessy Passes Away". Arkansas Razorbacks. 16 September 2015.
- ^ "Niall O'Shaughnessy". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on 18 April 2020.
- ^ a b Jones, Matt (16 September 2015). "UA great O'Shaughnessy dies at 59". wholehogsports.com. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
- 1955 births
- 2015 deaths
- Athletes (track and field) at the 1976 Summer Olympics
- Olympic athletes for Ireland
- Irish male middle-distance runners
- People educated at St Munchin's College
- Arkansas Razorbacks men's track and field athletes
- Deaths from brain tumor
- Irish emigrants to the United States
- Arkansas Razorbacks men's cross country runners