Ciara Mageean: Tributes to 'inspirational' Olympic athlete after death at 34

Olympic athlete and European champion Ciara Mageean has passed away at the age of 34 following a battle with stage four bowel cancer. The news comes just weeks after her marriage to her long-term partner, Thomas Moran.
Why it matters
Mageean was a celebrated figure in Irish and Northern Irish athletics, and her sudden death has prompted widespread tributes from the sporting community.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, A statement posted on Mageean's social media on Sunday said she died surrounded by her loved ones
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.
Headlinne story · 3 newsrooms
Irish European Champion Runner Ciara Mageean Dies Following Cancer Diagnosis
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