Former Olympian Ciara Mageean dies aged 34 just weeks after wedding as heartbreaking tributes roll in
Former Olympian and Europe champion Ciara Mageean has died following a cancer battle just over two weeks after her wedding.
The Ireland European 1500 metre gold medallist passed away aged 34 on Sunday (1 November), it was confirmed in a heartbreaking statement on Instagram.
The two-time Olympian, who won the European title in Rome in 2024, had announced last year she had been diagnosed with bowel cancer.
A statement on her Instagram account on Sunday 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.”
Mageean, from Portaferry, County Down, in Northern Ireland, was married just last month.
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She celebrated her wedding to long-time partner Thomas Moran at Darver Castle in County Louth in a ceremony on October 12.
Mageean, who competed at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics, also won European 1500m silver in 2022 and bronze in 2016, while she finished fourth in the World Championships in 2023.
She also won silver competing for Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022.
Paying tribute, a statement from Athletics Ireland read: “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.”
Other tributes were also paid on social media, as her wedding photographer John Gillooley penned a heartfelt post.
He wrote: "Utterly devastated to wake up to the news of the great Ciara Mageean’s passing this morning.
"It’s so hard to believe that this incredible woman, pictured here just one week ago at her amazing & joyful wedding, is no longer with us.
"I only got to know Ciara for such a short time but felt such a connection. I’m sure most of the photos shared today will be of her unbelievable sporting achievements and rightfully so."
James Holt