Monica Joyce competed in the women’s 3,000 metres at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, finishing fifth in her semi-final in a personal best time of 8:54.34 – a time that was not good enough to make further progress in what was a very fast semi-final.

Monica Joyce declared for Ireland in 1981 after her sister Regina had also opted to represent Ireland, having both previously competed for England. She represented Ireland in the inaugural World Championships marathon at Helsinki in 1983.

Her fifth place in a very fast LA semi-final was a creditable performance in the debut Olympic 3,000 metres event.