Olympian Ciara Mageean was remembered as a “truly remarkable” and inspirational person at her funeral on Tuesday, where hundreds gathered to pay their respects. The former European champion died on Sunday after being diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer.
The service took place at St Patrick’s Church in Portaferry, County Down. Mageean’s funeral cortege received a guard of honour from Portaferry GAC and her former school, Assumption Grammar in Ballynahinch.
Among those attending were Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill, fellow Olympian Rhys McClenaghan and 1972 Olympic gold medallist Lady Mary Peters. Representatives of Irish President Catherine Connolly and the Irish Government were also present, alongside political and sporting figures.
In his homily, Fr Martin Kelly, who had known Mageean since childhood, spoke about her sporting achievements, her love for her husband and the pride she brought to her hometown. He recalled visiting her in hospice shortly before her death. When she noticed he was struggling as they walked, Mageean offered him her arm.
Mageean represented Ireland at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games. She won the 1500 metres at the 2024 European Athletics Championships in Rome and took silver for Northern Ireland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Her death came less than three weeks after she married her long-term partner, Thomas Moran.
Sources: BBC Sport.