Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
RIP: Ciara Mageean. Alamy
Athletics
Olympic athlete Ciara Mageean dies aged 34
Athletics Ireland said the runner will be remembered for “her courage, kindness and incredible spirit”.
LAST UPDATE | 5 hrs ago
IRISH ATHLETE CIARA Mageean has died at the age of 34.
She represented Ireland at two Olympic Games and was also the 2024 European Athletics Championships gold medallist in the 1,500 metres.
Mageean’s death was announced on social media, following a diagnosis of bowel cancer last year.
Her death comes just weeks after she married her long-term partner Thomas Moran in Belfast in October.
A statement on social media read “At 6.30am this morning, Ciara lost her battle with cancer surrounded by her loved ones. A beloved daughter, sister, wife, friend and inspiration to so many, she will be deeply missed.”
Mageean won the 1500m gold at the European Championships in Rome in June 2024, having previously claimed silver (2022) and bronze (2016).
She was forced to withdraw from the 2024 Olympic Games on the eve of her heat in Paris due to a long-running Achilles tendon injury.
The Portaferry native made her Olympic debut at Rio 2016, and also featured at the 2021 Games in Tokyo, where injury also hampered her preparations.
Mageean was crowned 2022 Athletics Ireland Athlete of the Year, and took the Middle Distance honour in 2024. She holds national records over 800m, 1,000m, 1500m and the mile.
Mageean announced her cancer diagnosis in June 2025, and issued updates as she underwent treatment.
She published her memoir, My Greatest Race, earlier this year.
Tributes
In a statement on social media, Athletics Ireland said: “We are heartbroken. An inspiration to so many, Ciara will be remembered for her courage, kindness and incredible spirit.
“Our deepest sympathies are with her family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time,” it added.
Deeply saddened at the untimely passing of Ciara Mageean. My heartfelt sympathies go to her husband Thomas, all her family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam. https://t.co/u43ERVrIMv
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) November 1, 2026
Tánaiste Simon Harris said it was “heartbreaking news this morning to hear of the passing of Ciara Mageean”.
“Ciara was an inspiration to us all on the track, but the courage and honesty with which she spoke about her cancer diagnosis touched so many people. She gave so many others strength and hope,” he said.
Meanwhile, Taoiseach Micheál Martin praised Mageean, who “faced her recent health battles with great courage and dignity”.
Martin added that Mageean brought “immense pride to Ireland” and “left a remarkable sporting legacy”.
President Catherine Connolly described Mageean’s “remarkable career”, saying that she “stood out not just for her exceptional talent, but for her strength and perseverance, for her clear speaking, and for her determination to succeed”.
Minister for Sport Charlie McConalogue said that he is “deeply saddened” by the news, describing her as “a woman whose searing honesty both trackside after races and over the past couple of years in dealing with her illness secured her a place in the hearts of people all over the island”.
“Ciara exemplified all that is good about sport and community in Ireland. Even as she won races around the globe she remained incredibly connected to her own people in Portaferry,” he said.
Speaking on the Brendan O’Connor Show on RTÉ Radio 1 today, gold medallist David Gillick said: “We have to remember Ciara in the most positive of lights because she was just a beautiful person on the track, off the track. She resonated with so many Irish people.”
Republic of Ireland international soccer Captain Katie McCabe said that “we were so lucky to have such an incredible athlete represent our country with so much pride”.
The Olympic Federation of Ireland also paid tribute, saying that “the country has lost a hero”.
Host of RTÉ’s Late Late Show Patrick Kielty said that Mageean was “a champion of others who showed us all how to live”, adding that it was a “privilege” to have had her on the show.
“Nothing made Ciara prouder than pulling on her Ireland vest. But as a proud Portaferry woman, she wasn’t just a champion on the track. She was a champion of others who showed us all how to live. A privilege to have had her on the Late Late Show.” A message from @PatricKielty on the passing of Ciara Mageean 🤍
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) November 1, 2026
Photographer John Gillooley, who photographed Mageean’s wedding party that took place at Darver Castle in Co Louth just last Sunday, spoke of her determination to ensure that nothing got in the way of her big day.
“I only got to know Ciara for such a short time but felt such a connection. I’m sure most of the photos shared today will be of her unbelievable sporting achievements and rightfully so.
“But I just knew her as a bride who was going to celebrate her wedding to the man she loved more than anyone and to throw a big party for her best friends and family and nothing was going to stop her.”
SDLP Councillor Joe Boyle, a close family friend who attended Mageean’s recent wedding, said that “Portaferry is devastated by the loss”.
“Ciara was an extraordinary ambassador for our town,” he said. “No matter how far her talent took her, she never forgot where she came from.”
have your say