Former Ireland number one Helen Lennon dies aged 66.

One of Ireland’s most celebrated and decorated racquets’ players Helen Lennon has died at the age of 66.
A former Ireland number one in tennis she measured herself in the Federation Cup against some of the sport’s greatest players including Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Evonne Goolagong, Virginia Wade, Betty Stove and Sue Barker. She was also a non-playing Fed Cup captain.
She become a highly regarded professional tennis coach and is particularly fondly remembered in Blackrock Bowling and Tennis Club where she taught with patience and a smile.
Born in Wexford, she moved with her family to Meath taking up tennis at the age of eight in the Longwood club. She won a couple of national singles titles and many of the top domestic tournaments. She went on to play for Garda, Glasnevin and Elm Park tennis clubs.
She was a Class 1 badminton player, an interprovincial squash player, who then progressed to manage the Ireland team.
Under her stewardship the national side finished fifth once and fourth twice in the World Championships during the 1980s.
She was also a former lady captain of Woodbrook Golf Club. To her family and husband, the former Irish Independent Golf and Rugby correspondent Colm Smith, we extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy.
Removal is tomorrow morning to Church of The Holy Cross, Dundrum, arriving for 10.30am Funeral Mass and afterwards to Shanganagh Cemetery.
Ar dheis Dé a anam dílis.

Culled from The Irish Times.