Ciara Mageean winning 1500m gold at the 2024 European Championships. Morgan Treacy/INPHO

'What a gift she was to the world' - Tributes paid after death of Ciara Mageean

Irish athletics, sport and society in mourning after death of two-time Olympian and European champion aged 34.

TRIBUTES ARE FLOODING in following the passing of Ciara Mageean at the age of 34.

The two-time Olympian and European 1500m champion’s death was announced on her Instagram account on Sunday, following a diagnosis of bowel cancer last year. 

“At 6.30am this morning, Ciara lost her battle with cancer surrounded by her loved ones,” a statement read.

“A beloved daughter, sister, wife, friend and inspiration to so many, she will be deeply missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”

Irish Athletics have led the tributes, remembering “a much-loved and inspirational figure who touched the lives of so many”.

Tributes have come from far and wide, across the world of athletics and Irish sport and society.

Speaking on the Brendan O’Connor Show on RTÉ Radio 1, David Gillick commemorated a “special person on and off the track”.

The two-time European indoor gold medallist often interviewed Mageean after races, with her openness and honesty widely commended.

“It’s kind of poignant that I’m here on a cross-country track in Abbotstown where Ciara would have represented Ireland,” said Gillick.

“It was announced here an hour or so ago. And that sombre feeling because I’m here watching juvenile athletics, young boys, young girls. Ciara was so giving in her time to the next generation.

“I think we have to remember Ciara in the most positive of lights because she was just a beautiful person on the track, off the track. She resonated with so many Irish people.

“I had the luxury and the privilege to interview her post-race. And she was always so open and honest. She always just said how it was.

ciara-mageean-is-interviewed-by-david-gillick Mageean interviewed by Gillick after a race in 2017. Sasa Pahic Szabo / INPHO Sasa Pahic Szabo / INPHO / INPHO

“When she won her first European senior medal in Amsterdam, it was eight years until she won that European gold in Rome a few years ago. It’s the longevity and perseverance given the injuries she went through during that period of time. And I think people really, really respected that.

“She was always giving up her time, even up to very recently. I was even talking to someone here today, one of the officials. And he was heartbroken. She gave him her number of the European win in Rome.”

Gillick also spoke about attending the Katie Taylor fight at Croke Park in September with Mageean and her partner, Thomas Moran, who she married last month. 

“The two of them were just absolutely buzzing. They were heading off up the road the following day and they were meeting the wedding planner. They were gone looking at venues. And they were just enthusiastic. They were excited about what the next couple of weeks were going to hold for them.

“Ciara was great to be around. She was just enthusiastic. She was funny. And even on that night, with everything that she was going through, she never dwelt on it. She always just put this kind of beaming smile out there.

“She engaged with everybody there on the night. You kind of think about what she was going through herself. But yet, you would have never thought that. She was just always a great person to be around.”

Several other current and former Irish athletes have paid tribute on social media. 

“Truly the most amazing person,” wrote Phil Healy. “You will forever be an inspiration to so many people. We are going to miss you so much.

Sophie Becker remembered “the most beautiful person,” adding, “We are all so lucky to have known Ciara.”

“Rest in peace Ciara, sending love to your family and friends,” said Sharlene Mawdsley.

Former Irish race walker and RTÉ pundit Rob Heffernan wrote: “This is devastating. Thoughts and prayers with Ciara’s beautiful family on this sad day. What a gift she was to the world.”

1983 world champion Eamonn Coughlan echoed: “Terribly sad news. We’ve lost a beautiful person, amazing athlete and a true warrior.”

ciara-mageean Jessica Hull remembers 'most beautiful person in every way imaginable'. Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

World Athletics and track rivals from across the globe are also paying tribute to the 2024 European champion. 

“Heartbreaking news. A fighter on and off the track. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and the entire athletics community. She will be deeply missed,” reads a statement from World Athletics. 

Australia’s Jessica Hull wrote: “There are no words. Just the most beautiful person in every way imaginable. You will be so missed.

“Our hearts and love are with Tommy and your family. Lucky to have shared some miles with you but even more special to have celebrated milestones at the finish line together. I’m so grateful for every moment. Rest easy, Ciara.”

“Sending so much love and strength to all your closest. A remarkable person,” Eilish McColgan of Scotland added.

Many others from across Irish sport and society continue to remember a remarkable athlete and person. Rest in peace, Ciara Mageean. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.

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Readers pay tribute to Ciara Mageean following her passing
Where they land
She was an inspirational athlete and a fantastic person
What they think
She was a great role model on and off the track
Her memory will continue to inspire Irish athletes
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