Irish athletics is in mourning following the death of Ciara Mageean at the age of 34.

The Portaferry runner, who became one of the most successful middle-distance athletes in Irish history, had been living with stage four bowel cancer after announcing her diagnosis in July 2025.

News of her death was confirmed in a statement on her social media account, which said she passed away at 6.30 am, surrounded by her loved ones.

Mageean’s greatest moment on the track came at the 2024 European Athletics Championships in Rome, where she claimed gold in the 1500 metres, becoming European champion for Ireland.

She also won European silver in 2022 and bronze in 2016, while adding a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022.

A two-time Olympian, Mageean represented Ireland at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. She had been preparing for a third Olympic appearance in Paris in 2024, but an Achilles injury forced her to withdraw just one day before the 1500 metres heats.

Her achievements also included Irish records in the 800 metres, 1,000 metres, 1,500 metres and the mile.

Despite her illness, Mageean continued to speak openly about her determination to make the most of the time ahead. In an interview with RTÉ in June, she spoke of wanting to fit as much living as possible into the years she had left, while expressing gratitude for the support she had received from people across Ireland.

She married her long-term partner Thomas Moran at Belfast City Hall last month.

Athletics Ireland has paid tribute to Mageean, describing her as a much-loved and inspirational figure whose courage, warmth and spirit would leave a lasting legacy.

Her impact extended far beyond her medal-winning performances, with the athletics community coming together to celebrate her career at this year’s Irish National Championships, where she hosted a special event, ‘Run with Ciara Mageean’.

Mageean leaves behind an extraordinary sporting legacy and will be remembered as one of Ireland’s finest ever athletes.

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