Tributes to 'inspirational' Olympian Ciara Mageean after death at 34

Tributes to 'inspirational' Olympian Ciara Mageean after death at 34

ByBen Lonsdale

BBC News NI

Updated 35 minutes ago

Tributes have been paid to former European champion and two-time Olympic runner Ciara Mageean, who has died at the age of 34.

Mageean, from Portaferry in County Down, was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in May 2025.

She died on Sunday morning, surrounded by her loved ones, a statement posted on her social media accounts said.

"A beloved daughter, sister, wife, friend and inspiration to so many, she will be deeply missed," it said.

Mageean's death comes less than three weeks after her marriage to her long-term partner Thomas Moran.

The athlete represented Ireland at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics and won gold in the 1500m at the European Athletics Championships in Rome in 2024.

She also represented Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games, winning silver in Birmingham in 2022.

'One of our own'

Olympic legend Lady Mary Peters said Mageean was a "wonderful lady" who was "gracious, beautiful, talented and inspirational to the next generation".

"We knew she was very ill and we knew that it was inevitable but we didn't expect it so soon," said the 1972 Olympic pentathlon gold medallist.

Lady Mary's charity the Mary Peters Trust, which supports Northern Ireland athletes, had helped Mageean in her athletics career.

"My charity supported her for as long as we could because she was so talented and we recognised that in her," said Last Mary.

She said that Mageean had continued to inspire young athletes even while undergoing treatment for cancer and would be "sorely missed in the world of sport".

Sean Young, the secretary of Portaferry Gaelic Athletic Club, where Mageean played camogie in her younger years, said its members were in "disbelief and shock" at her death.

He said Mageean had been a "fierce competitor" who began her sporting journey at the club before pursuing athletics.

"Outside the sporting arena she is the most inspirational, humble person we have ever had within our club," he said.

Down Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) said it was "honoured and privileged" to call Mageean one of its own, describing her as someone who never forgot her roots.

"She touched the lives of so many people and she helped change the lives of so many," it said.

"In her battle with illness she showed us courage, positivity and the value of life."

Her former school, Assumption Grammar in Ballynahinch, County Down, said it was "deeply saddened and heartbroken" by the death of its "cherished past pupil".

"Ciara's kindness, strength, faith and unwavering determination were an inspiration to us all," it said.

"She touched countless lives with her warmth, humility and generosity of spirit."

'A champion in every sense of the word'

Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill described Mageean as "a champion in every sense of the word and a role model for all athletes".

"She represented her country with pride and helped put Irish athletics on the map," said O'Neill.

She said Mageean had faced her cancer diagnosis with the same "bravery and determination" she had shown throughout her sporting career.

"Ciara's legacy will live on and she will continue to be an inspiration to many."

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said people across Northern Ireland had been "deeply proud and inspired" by the athlete.

She described Mageean as an "outstanding athlete and ambassador for her sport" who had spoken with honesty and bravery about her health battles.

Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin said he was "deeply saddened" by her untimely death and extended his sympathies to her husband, family and friends.

Tánaiste (Irish Deputy Prime Minister) Simon Harris said Mageean had inspired people both through her achievements on the track and her openness about her illness.

"She gave so many others strength and hope," he said.

'Self-belief and commitment'

Athletics Ireland, the country's governing body for the sport, said Mageean was "much-loved and inspirational".

"Her courage, warmth and spirit will leave a lasting legacy," the organisation said.

World Athletics described her as "an inspiration to many, on and off the track", highlighting her historic European gold medal in Rome in 2024.

The Camogie Association also paid tribute to Mageean, with its president Brian Molloy describing her as a great friend of the sport, both as a player and a supporter.

"In her all-too-short life, Ciara touched the hearts of so many," he said.

"Her self-belief and commitment to her craft will always be inspirational and she will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her."

'A light has gone out in the world'

Mageean was named the 2023 BBC Northern Ireland Sports Personality of the Year after an impressive year, in which she broke national records and was fourth in a competitive World Championships final.

BBC Sport NI broadcaster Thomas Niblock, who interviewed Mageean in July for The GAA Social podcast, described her as a "one off".

"A light has gone out in the world. Authentic, talented, decent. Her kindness and wonderful personality was a joy to watch and see," he wrote on social media.

Niblock recalled how Mageean had received disappointing news the day before their interview but had insisted on going ahead with the recording.

"It's 90 minutes Oisin and myself will always treasure. She was the best of us," he said.

He also paid tribute to her husband and the wider Portaferry community.

"I've never met a person who met Ciara, who didn't love her," he added.

Patrick Kielty, who said it was a "privilege" to interview Mageean on Irish national broadcaster RTÉ's The Late Late Show, said "she wasn't just a champion on the track".

"She was a champion of others who showed us all how to live."