Irish European athletics champion Ciara Mageean dies aged 34

Irish middle-distance runner Ciara Mageean, renowned for her European gold medal and Olympic appearances, has passed away at the age of 34, her family confirmed on Sunday. Mageean, who lost her battle with cancer while surrounded by loved ones, had been receiving treatment for bowel cancer since July 2025. The news of her death arrives weeks after her marriage to her long-term partner in Belfast, following a diagnosis of advanced-stage disease.

Mageean, originally from Portaferry in County Down, Northern Ireland, established herself as a leading middle-distance runner, setting national records and representing Ireland at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2021 Tokyo Games. Her crowning achievement, however, was winning the 1,500 metres title at the 2024 European Athletics Championships in Rome.

Despite an Achilles injury that barred her from competing in the 2022 Paris Olympics, Mageean retained a positive outlook, expressing gratitude for her career and the joy found in everyday life. Tributes from various quarters praised Mageean's warmth, courage, and resilience, with the Olympic Federation of Ireland, Northern Ireland's first minister Michelle O'Neill, and Prime Minister Micheal Martin all paying their respects.