JFK sister dies, aged 88
President John F Kennedy’s sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a champion for the rights of mentally disabled people and founder of the Special Olympics, died today aged 88.
Ms Shriver’s family said in a statement she had suffered a series of strokes in recent years and died at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis this morning.
The hospital is near the Kennedy family compound, where her sole surviving brother, Senator Edward Kennedy, has been battling brain cancer.
Ms Shriver was credited with transforming America’s view of the mentally disabled from institutionalised patients to friends, neighbours and athletes.
Her efforts were inspired by the struggles of her mentally disabled sister, Rosemary.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Micheál Martin today expressed his sympathy to the Kennedy family.
"I was deeply saddened to learn of the death this morning of Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver," he said.
"(She) will be especially remembered for her steadfast commitment to improving the lives of those with intellectual disabilities through the foundation of the Special Olympics movement which she established in 1968.
"Her energy, drive and dedication to advancing the rights of those with disabilities was truly remarkable and will be her enduring legacy.
"On behalf of the Irish Government, and on my own behalf, I offer my deepest condolences to Mrs Shriver’s husband, Robert, and to their children Robert, Maria, Timothy, Mark and Anthony."
