A champion in every sense of the word has died far too young after a battle with cancer.
Irish middle-distance runner Ciara Mageean has died at the age of 34.
On Sunday morning, she was surrounded by family, according to a social media post published on her account.
Mageean’s funeral will take place near her family home on Tuesday, with a service at St. Patrick’s Church in Ballyphilip, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Her death comes less than three weeks after her marriage to her long-term partner, Thomas Moran.
Mageean represented Ireland at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games and won gold in the 1500m at the 2024 European Athletics Championships in Rome.
She also represented Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games, winning silver in Birmingham in 2022.
Her former school, Assumption Grammar in Ballynahinch, County Down, 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,” the school said.
“She touched countless lives with her warmth, humility and generosity of spirit.”
Mageean held five Irish national records, including the 1500m mark of 3:55.87, which she established at the Brussels Diamond League meeting on Sept. 8, 2023. She continued to set national records as recently as 2024.
During her career, she won at least 11 national championships.
