Shirley Armstrong facts for kids
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Personal information | |
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Born | Antrim, Northern Ireland |
14 August 1930
Died | 21 December 2018 | (aged 88)
Sport | |
Sport | Fencing |
Shirley Armstrong-Duffy (born August 14, 1930 – died December 21, 2018) was a talented Irish fencer. She was known for competing in the women's individual foil event. Shirley proudly represented the Republic of Ireland at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
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Who Was Shirley Armstrong-Duffy?
Shirley Armstrong-Duffy was an important Irish fencer. She was born in Antrim, Northern Ireland, on August 14, 1930. Shirley became well-known for her skills in fencing, especially with the foil. She passed away on December 21, 2018.
Her Fencing Journey
Shirley married another Irish fencer, Patrick Joseph Duffy. Together, they did a lot to help fencing grow in Ireland. Patrick started a special club called The Irish Academy of Arms (Academie d'Armes d'Irlande) in 1952. This club later became known as Salle Duffy.
Shirley and Patrick worked hard to make Salle Duffy a very successful club. It became one of the best fencing clubs in Ireland. In 1958, they also helped to restart the International Academy of Fencing Masters.
Coaching and Building Fencing in Ireland
Shirley and Patrick were both coaches at many universities and schools. They taught fencing at places like University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin. They also coached at several schools in Dublin, helping many young people learn the sport. Their efforts helped make fencing popular across the country.
Representing Ireland at the Olympics
In 1960, Shirley Armstrong was chosen to represent Ireland at the Summer Olympics. She was one of only two women from Ireland to compete that year. The other woman was Maeve Kyle. Shirley competed in the women's individual foil event. She won one bout in her first round, finishing fifth in her group.
Later Life
Shirley Armstrong-Duffy passed away on December 21, 2018. She died in Roscommon University Hospital. Her contributions helped shape the sport of fencing in Ireland for many years.