Irish Olympian Ciara Mageean was a 'talented and inspirational human being'

Published3 November 2026, 16:20 GMT

Olympian Ciara Mageean has been described as a "truly remarkable, immensely talented and inspirational human being" in a tribute read out at her funeral.

Hundreds of people have paid their respects to the runner at her funeral on Tuesday.

The former European champion and two-time Olympic runner died on Sunday after she was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer.

Among those in attendance at the funeral in Portaferry, County Down, were Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill, as well as fellow Olympian Rhys McClenaghan and 1972 gold medallist Lady Mary Peters.

Mageean's funeral cortege was given a guard of honour by Portaferry GAC and her former school, Assumption Grammar in Ballynahinch.

Her death comes less than three weeks after her marriage to her long-term partner Thomas Moran.

Mourners began arriving at around midday for the 2:00 GMT requiem Mass at St Patrick's Church.

Family, friends and those wishing to pay their respects followed the funeral cortege the short distance along the Ballyphilip Road from Mageean's family home to the church.

Others in attendance included representatives for Irish President Catherine Connolly and the Irish Government, Social Democratic and Labour Party leader Claire Hanna, GAA President Jarlath Burns and former boxer Paddy Barnes.

The Mass booklet included an image of Mageean's greatest achievement on the track, the moment she crossed the line at the 2024 European Championships.

In his homily, Father Martin Kelly, who knew Mageean from her childhood, spoke of her accomplishments, her love for her husband and the joy and pride she had brought to her hometown.

Kelly recalled visiting her in hospice shortly before her death, when she suggested they go for a walk.

Despite her illness, Mageean noticed he was struggling and offered to link arms with him.

"On the way down, she knew I was struggling and she said, 'Let me link you'," he told mourners.

"One of my happiest moments and memories is that of Ciara Mageean linking my arm as we walked back to her room."

The athlete represented Ireland at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics and won gold in the 1500m at the European Athletics Championships in Rome in 2024.

She also represented Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games, winning silver in Birmingham in 2022.

What are bowel cancer symptoms?

Noticing blood in your poo - which may appear black or dark red in the toilet bowl - can be a sign of bowel cancer.

If there is no other obvious cause for the bleeding, such as piles, the NHS recommends that you ask for an appointment with your GP, external.

The NHS also advises a check-up if you notice changes in your regular toilet habits, such as having to poo more often, or a pattern of diarrhoea or constipation.

Abdominal pain or lumps, stomach bloating and unexplained weight loss are also among symptoms which should lead to a bowel cancer test.

Bowel cancer can also cause anaemia, the features of which include extreme tiredness and shortness of breath.

The earlier bowel cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.

Related topics

Northern Ireland

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