Ciarán Ó Lionáird, who represented Ireland at the Olympics, has been found dead in Montreal, Canada, aged 38.

The middle-distance runner was one of the best Irish athletes of his generation, representing his country at both the 2011 World Championships and the London 2012 Olympics in the 1500m.

Ó Lionáird was a very promising junior athlete, running first for the West Muskerry AC, near his hometown of Macroom, County Cork, before moving over to Leevale AC towards Cork City.

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Ciarán Ó Lionáird of Ireland, after falling during the final of the men’s 1500m event. European Athletics Championships 2014 – Day 6. Letzigrund Stadium, Zurich, Switzerland. Pic: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE

He won bronze in the 1500m at the European Youth Olympic Festival in 2005 and finished 10th in the world U-20 1500m final as a junior before breaking through at the senior level in 2011.

After completing his studies in America at Michigan and Florida State Universities, Ó Lionáird ran 3:34.46 at a qualifying meet in Belgium, earning him spots in both the World Championships and the Olympics.

At the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, Ó Lionáird reached the 1500m final, where he finished 10th, and ahead of the London 2012 Olympics, he began training with Mo Farah under the controversial coach Alberto Salazar.

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Ireland’s Ciarán Ó Lionáird competes in his heat of the Men’s 1500m. London 2012 Olympic Games, Athletics, Olympic Stadium, Olympic Park, Stratford, London, England. Pic: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE

He suffered an Achilles injury in the build-up to the games, which affected his performance; he could only finish 13th in his heat. His career became plagued by injuries as Ó Lionáird struggled for consistency.

He was known as ‘Mad Len’ off the track for his laid-back, old-school approach to training and racing. He was also admired for being outspoken about athletes struggling to make a living in the sport, as well as about the struggles he faced after retiring in 2016.

West Muskerry AC posted a statement on their Facebook page about the news, saying: ‘Growing up just outside Macroom, his exceptional talent and love of running were evident from an early age, and we were privileged to witness the beginnings of what would become an outstanding athletics career.

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Ciarán Ó Lionáird running for Leevale A.C. Pic: Cody Glenn / SPORTSFILE

‘Today, we remember not only his remarkable accomplishments on the track, but also the young boy who started his athletics journey with West Muskerry AC. His dedication, resilience, and passion for the sport will continue to inspire generations of athletes.’

Athletics Ireland released a lengthy statement saying they were ‘deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Olympian and European Indoor Championship medallist Ciarán Ó Lionáird.

‘A native of Cork, Ciarán was one of Ireland’s finest middle-distance runners of his generation, reaching the 1500m final at the 2011 World Athletics Championships.’

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