Two-time Olympic runner Ciara Mageean has died at the age of 34, her family has confirmed. The European 1500m champion, who married her partner Thomas Moran just weeks ago, passed away on Sunday morning surrounded by loved ones after a battle with cancer.
Mageean, from Portaferry in County Down, Northern Ireland, revealed last year that she had been diagnosed with the disease. Her family announced her passing on social media, which occurred at 6.30am on Sunday.
Family statement and marriage
The family's statement 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. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam (may her soul rest in peace)."
Mageean married her partner Thomas Moran last month following her diagnosis with stage four bowel cancer.
Athletics Ireland tribute
A statement from Athletics Ireland said: "Athletics Ireland is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ciara Mageean. Ciara was a much-loved and inspirational figure who touched the lives of so many. Her courage, warmth and spirit will leave a lasting legacy. The thoughts and heartfelt condolences of everyone at Athletics Ireland are with Ciara's family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. May she rest in peace."
Career and final words
Mageean, who won the European title in Rome in 2024, represented Ireland at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021, while also competing for Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games.
Speaking to the BBC in June, she said she was trying to find the hope and joy in life. "Throughout this journey, there's been things that have been so crushing, and the news is so tough to be told that you might have two to three years left to live," she told BBC Sport NI. "It's something that's absolutely catastrophic in your life, and I hold on to the hope that I can be part of that 10% to 15% that survives beyond five years."
She added: "Obviously, I've been given a diagnosis that's very tough but there are people that go out today, and they won't come back in their door. That's hope and joy for me, that I can survive this and I can live into my old age. I think we all need that no matter what, we need to keep hope because if not, then it's won already."
