Tributes have been paid to Ronnie Delany who has died at the age of 91.

He passed away on Wednesday night following a short illness.

He's considered one of Ireland's greatest ever athletes, winning gold in the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia in the 1500 metre race.

The Olympic Federation of Ireland said he made an immense contribution to Irish sport and to the Olympic movement over many decades.

The federation's chief executive Peter Sherrard, said Mr Delany "inspired generations" with his "continued advocacy for athletes" on and off the track.

Minister of State for Sport Charlie McConalogue, said the 1956 gold medal winner laid the "foundation for the success of such athletes as Sonia O'Sullivan and John Treacy".

The Olympic athlete was born in Arklow in Co Wicklow in 1935, before moving to Dublin at the age of 4.

Dublin Lord Mayor Ray McAdam said he gave "immense pride" to the city and was honoured with the Freedom of Dublin in 2006.

He found his calling as a runner after moving to the US to study at Villanova University.

His first achievement of note was making the final of the 800 metres at the 1954 European championships in Bern before breaking the 4 minute mile two years later.

He also won bronze in the same event at the 1958 European Championships and enjoyed a remarkable run of success on the international circuit.

A statue of the Olympian was unveiled in Ferrybank in Arklow in 2021.