Irish European 1500 metres gold medallist Ciara Mageean has passed away at the age of 34. The two-time Olympian, who claimed the European title in Rome in 2024, revealed last year that she had been diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Tributes and Legacy
A statement published on her Instagram account on Sunday announced that she passed away at 6:30am with her loved ones by her side. The statement described her as a beloved daughter, sister, wife, friend, and inspiration to many who will be deeply missed.
Originally from Portaferry, County Down, in Northern Ireland, Mageean married just last month. Throughout her distinguished athletic career, she competed at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, secured European 1500m silver in 2022 and bronze in 2016, and placed fourth at the World Championships in 2023. She also earned a silver medal representing Northern Ireland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Athletics Ireland released a statement expressing deep sadness over her passing, noting that she was a much-loved and inspirational figure who touched countless lives. The organization stated that her courage, warmth, and spirit will leave a lasting legacy, offering heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
