Irish Olympian and European champion Ciara Mageean dies
Irish Olympian and European champion runner Ciara Mageean has died at the age of 34 after a battle with stage four bowel cancer. A two-time Olympian, she won European 1500m gold in 2024 and held multiple Irish national records.
Why it matters
This news reports the death of a prominent national athlete, marking a significant loss for the Irish sports community and the nation that followed her distinguished career and recent health struggles.
Irish Olympian and European champion runner Ciara Mageean has died aged 34.
Mageean revealed in July 2025 that she had been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer.
A short statement on her Instagram account confirmed her passing. It 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.
A two-time Olympian, Mageean made history by winning European 1500m gold for Ireland in Rome in 2024.
The Portaferry woman represented Ireland at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in the 1500m even, and was due to compete at the 2024 games before an Achilles injury ruled her out, just one day before her first heat at the Paris games.
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