Ciara Mageean, two-time Olympian and European champion, dies aged 34 after cancer

Death announced on Sunday

The family of Ciara Mageean announced on Instagram that she died at 6:30am on Sunday, 1 November, surrounded by her loved ones. The BBC reported that she was 34 and described her as a European champion and two-time Olympian from Portaferry in Northern Ireland. The Irish Examiner said tributes from fans, fellow athletes and friends flooded social media, with many describing her death as heartbreaking.

Career and illness

Mageean won her first European gold medal in 2024, which the Irish Examiner said fulfilled a lifelong ambition. Only a few months later she received news that she had bowel cancer, according to the Irish Examiner. The BBC reported that she revealed her diagnosis in July 2025.

Family and tributes

Mageean married Thomas Moran, and the couple celebrated a second wedding at Darver Castle in Dundalk, the Irish Examiner reported. The family described her as a beloved daughter, sister, wife and friend. The Irish Examiner called her one of Ireland's most accomplished middle-distance runners, and said she inspired people on and off the track through her determination and positivity.