Ciara Mageean 'inspiration to so many' as tributes honour Northern Ireland two-time Olympian and European champion
Portaferry’s two-time Olympian and European athletics champion Ciara Mageean will be remembered as an “inspiration to so many” following her death aged 34 after a battle with cancer.
Mageean revealed last July she had been diagnosed with cancer and a statement posted across her social media on Sunday morning 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 highlights included appearances for Team Ireland at Olympic Games in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, with a 2024 European Championships 1500m gold won in Italy a major moment.
She also won silver for Northern Ireland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Athletics Ireland issued a statement in tribute highlighting “Ciara was a much-loved and inspirational figure who touched the lives of so many”.
It continued: “Her courage, warmth and spirit will leave a lasting legacy. The thoughts and heartfelt condolences of everyone at Athletics Ireland are with Ciara’s family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. May she rest in peace.”
A Team Ireland tribute remembered “a big heart who made a massive impact on the Irish sporting community and will be missed terribly...once an Olympian, always an Olympian”.
Commonwealth Games NI honoured Ciara, who won 1500m silver over the Birmingham event in 2022, as “a champion both on and off the track” with “our love and thoughts go out to Ciara’s loved ones from all at TeamNI”.