Tributes paid to 'inspirational' Ciara Mageean after death at 34

Tributes have been paid to former European champion and two-time Olympian 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 represented Ireland at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics and won gold in the 1500m at the European Athletics Championships in Rome in 2024.

The athlete also represented Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games, winning silver in Birmingham in 2022.

A statement posted on her social media on Sunday said she had died at 06:30 GMT on Sunday, surrounded by her loved ones.

"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 long-term partner Thomas Moran.

Down GAA said it was "honoured and privileged" to call Mageean one of its own, describing her as someone who never forgot her roots.

It said she had remained closely connected to her local GAA community, attending matches and supporting clubs.

"She touched the lives of so many people and she helped change the lives of so many," it said.

"In her battle with illness she showed us courage, positivity and the value of life."

Her former school, Assumption Grammar School, said it was "deeply saddened and heartbroken" by the death of its "cherished past pupil".

"Ciara's kindness, strength, faith and unwavering determination were an inspiration to us all," it said.

"She touched countless lives with her warmth, humility and generosity of spirit."

Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill described Mageean as "a champion in every sense of the word and a role model for all athletes".

"She represented her country with pride and helped put Irish athletics on the map," she said in a statement.

O'Neill said Mageean had faced her cancer diagnosis with the same "bravery and determination" she had shown throughout her sporting career.

"Ciara's legacy will live on and she will continue to be an inspiration to many."

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said people across Northern Ireland had been "deeply proud and inspired" by the athlete.

Writing on social media, she described Mageean as an "outstanding athlete and ambassador for her sport" who had spoken with honesty and bravery about her health battles.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said he was "deeply saddened" by Mageean's death and said she was an "inspiration to so many".

Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin said he was "deeply saddened" by her untimely death and extended his sympathies to her husband Thomas, family and friends.

Tánaiste (deputy Irish prime minister) Simon Harris said Mageean had inspired people both through her achievements on the track and her openness about her illness.

"She gave so many others strength and hope," he said.

Athletics Ireland said it was "deeply saddened" by the death of a "much-loved and inspirational figure".

"Her courage, warmth and spirit will leave a lasting legacy," the organisation said.

World Athletics described the two-time Olympian as "an inspiration to many, on and off the track", highlighting her historic European gold medal in Rome in 2024.

The Camogie Association has also paid tribute to Mageean, who played the sport before pursuing her athletics career.

Its president, Brian Molloy, described her as a great friend of camogie, both as a player and supporter.

"In her all too short life, Ciara touched the hearts of so many," he said.

"Her self-belief and commitment to her craft will always be inspirational, and she will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her."

She was named the 2023 BBC Northern Ireland Sports Personality of the Year after an impressive year, in which she broke national records and was fourth in a competitive World Championships final.

BBC broadcaster Thomas Niblock, who interviewed Mageean in July for The GAA Social podcast, described her as a "one off".

"A light has gone out in the world. Authentic, talented, decent. Her kindness and wonderful personality was a joy to watch and see," he wrote on social media.

Niblock recalled how Mageean had received disappointing news the day before their interview in July, but had insisted on going ahead with the recording.

"It's 90 minutes Oisin and myself will always treasure. She was the best of us," he said.

He also paid tribute to her husband and the wider Portaferry community.

"I've never met a person who met Ciara, who didn't love her," he added.

Patrick Kielty, who said it was a "privilege" to interview Mageean on Irish broadcaster RTÉ's The Late Late Show, said "she wasn't just a champion on the track".

"She was a champion of others who showed us all how to live."