Tributes to 'inspirational' Olympian Ciara Mageean after death at 34
Irish Olympian and European champion Ciara Mageean has passed away at age 34 following a battle with stage four bowel cancer. Tributes have poured in for the athlete, who was celebrated for her talent and inspiration to the next generation.
Why it matters
Mageean was a prominent figure in international athletics, and her death has prompted widespread mourning in the sports 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.
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