Political leaders across the island of Ireland have expressed profound sadness at the news of the passing of the former European champion and twice Olympian from Portaferry, Co Down, at 6.30am on Sunday.
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leaders → express → Sunday
In a post on social media, her family said she was surrounded by her loved ones.
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she → say → ones
They said: “A beloved daughter, sister, wife, friend and inspiration to so many, she will be deeply missed.”
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she → say → many
Mageean was one of the most high-profile athletes in Ireland, specialising in the middle-distance running 1,500m event.
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Mageean → specialise → event
She represented Ireland at both the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2020 Tokyo Olympics, as well as holding a slew of Irish records.
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She → represent → records
Mageean was unable to compete at the 2024 Olympics due to an Achilles injury.
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Mageean → compete → injury
The following year, Mageean announced she had been diagnosed with cancer.
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she → announce → cancer
There were shockwaves across Ireland and the sporting community when Mageean revealed her diagnosis of stage four cancer of the bowel with a likely terminal prognosis.
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She went on to marry her partner Thomas Moran in October just weeks before her death.
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Mageean has been described as someone who “never forgot her roots”.
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who → describe → roots
The runner had played camogie as a youngster with Portaferry GAC.
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runner → play → GAC
Down GAA said she was proud of her roots and remained closely connected, being at matches when she could, cheering on club and county, and sending messages of support and inspiration.
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she → say → support
“Ciara Mageean never forgot her sense of place and community.
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“We in Down GAA were honoured and privileged to be able to say that Ciara was one of our own, she touched the lives of so many people and she helped change the lives of so many, she gave us many great moments of joy, when we all could feel a part of her successes and in her battle with illness she showed us courage, positivity and the value of life
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she → honour → life
,” they said in a statement.
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they → say → statement
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was deeply saddened at her untimely passing.
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he → say → passing
“My heartfelt sympathies go to her husband Thomas, all her family and friends,” he said in a statement on the social media network X.
Tánaiste Simon Harris described the news as heartbreaking.
He said on X: “She was a European champion, two-time Olympian, a proud Irish athlete and an extraordinary person.”
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Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill said Mageean demonstrated “extraordinary talent, determination and dedication”.
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Mageean → say → talent
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ciara Mageean, and I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to her husband Tommy, her parents, family, friends and everyone who loved her,” she said.
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she → sadden → her
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“Ciara’s achievements in athletics brought immense pride to her local community and to people right across Ireland.
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achievements → read → Ireland
“From representing Ireland at two Olympic Games to winning European Championship gold in Rome in 2024, Ciara demonstrated extraordinary talent, determination and dedication.
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“However, beyond the medals, records and sporting accolades, Ciara will be remembered for her warmth, courage and tremendous strength of character.
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Ciara → remember → character
“Throughout her illness, she showed a remarkable spirit and an incredible ability to find hope and joy in life, even in the most difficult circumstances.
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she → show → circumstances
Her courage touched countless people and will leave a lasting legacy.
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courage → touch → legacy
“For a community like Portaferry, this loss will be deeply felt.
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loss → feel → Portaferry
Ciara was one of our own, and the pride she brought to her community and beyond will never be forgotten.
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she → bring → community
“At this incredibly difficult time, I hope her family and loved ones can take some comfort from knowing just how deeply she was admired, respected and loved by so many people.”
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she → hope → people
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “I am so sorry to hear of the death of Ciara Mageean, at the age of 34 years.
“Ciara had outstanding success and was an inspiration to many.
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Ciara → say → many
She spoke with such honesty and bravery about the health battles she subsequently faced.
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she → speak → battles
I know so many from right across Northern Ireland were deeply proud and inspired by Ciara.
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many → know → Ciara
“My deepest condolences to her family, teammates and friends, and her husband, whom she had so recently married.”
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she → marry → whom
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