President leads tributes to 'wonderful' Ciara Mageean

President Catherine Connolly has led tributes to Irish Olympian and European champion runner Ciara Mageean.

Ms Mageean died this morning aged 34.

She revealed in July 2025 that she had been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer.

President Connolly said: "Ciara was a wonderful athlete, a runner who distinguished herself from her junior years right up to the outstanding achievement of becoming a European champion two years ago.

"Throughout that remarkable career, Ciara stood out not just for her exceptional talent, but for her strength and perseverance, for her clear speaking, and for her determination to succeed.

"It was these qualities that led the public to appreciate her so much, and to be so thrilled for her achievement in Rome."

President Connolly said Ms Mageean stood out not just for her "exceptional talent", but for her "strength and perseverance, for her clear speaking, and for her determination to succeed".

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She said since the athlete shared news of her illness, "the public have stood with her, and their affection has only grown".

"She showed the same qualities that marked her running career, and has been a source of inspiration to so many people in their own struggles," said the President.

"During this time, she also showed her care for others in her advocacy for those suffering in Gaza and other conflicts, ensuring attention for those most in need.

"She was much loved and will be greatly missed. May I express my deepest condolences to Ciara's husband Thomas, to all of her family, friends and fellow athletes, and to all those whose lives she touched," President Connolly added.

'Champion in every sense of the word'

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said earlier he was "deeply saddened " at the untimely passing of Ms Mageean.

He said she brought "immense pride to Ireland" and "faced her recent health battles with great courage and dignity".

"My heartfelt sympathies go to her husband Thomas, all her family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam," said Mr Martin.

First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill said that Ms Mageean had represented her country with pride and her inspiration would live on.

She called Ms Mageean a "champion in every sense of the word".

Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly described Ms Mageean as an "outstanding athlete and ambassador".

"I am so sorry to hear of the death of Ciara Mageean, at the age of 34 years.

"An outstanding athlete and ambassador for her sport, Ciara was born in Portaferry, County Down and represented Northern Ireland and predominantly Ireland on the world stage. Ciara had outstanding success, and was an inspiration to many. She spoke with such honesty and bravery about the health battles she subsequently faced.

"I know so many from right across Northern Ireland were deeply proud and inspired by Ciara.

"My deepest condolences to her family, teammates and friends, and her husband to whom she had so recently married. May God comfort all those who mourn this deeply sad loss at such a young age," she said.

The Olympic Federation of Ireland said: "The country has lost a hero."

Photographer John Gillooley, who worked at Ms Mageean's wedding just three weeks ago spoke of her determination to not let anything get in the way of the celebration.

He wrote: "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."