Funeral details announced for Irish Olympian Ciara Mageean following heartbreaking death
Ciara Mageean passed away on Sunday surrounded by her loving family, aged just 34
Funeral arrangements have been announced for Irish Olympic athlete and European champion Ciara Mageean, who sadly passed away on Sunday, November 1, aged just 34.
The much loved middle-distance runner died peacefully at the Marie Curie Hospice following a battle with stage four bowel cancer, surrounded by her loved ones.
The Co Down native's death has prompted an outpouring of grief across Ireland and the international sporting community, with tributes continuing to pour in for the athlete.
According to her funeral arrangements, Ciara will repose at her parents' home on Ballyphilip Road in Portaferry on Monday, November 2, with mourners welcome to pay their respects between 10am and 1pm and again from 3pm until 9pm.
Her funeral procession will leave the family home at 1.45pm on Tuesday, November 3, travelling to St Patrick's Church in Ballyphilip for Requiem Mass at 2pm.
Burial will take place immediately afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. The family home will remain strictly private on the day of the funeral.
Ciara's family have requested family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if desired, to Bowel Cancer Ireland and Marie Curie.
The devastating news of her death was confirmed in a statement shared on her Instagram account on Sunday morning.
The statement read,
"At 6:30am this morning, Ciara lost her battle with cancer surrounded by her loved ones.
"A beloved daughter, sister, wife, friend and inspiration to so many, she will be deeply missed.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam."
President Catherine Connolly was among those paying tribute to Ciara, remembering her exceptional talent, determination and courage.
In a statement, the President described Ciara as a source of inspiration to many, adding: "She was much loved and will be greatly missed."
Athletics Ireland also expressed its sadness, remembering Ciara as a much-loved and inspirational figure whose courage, warmth and spirit would leave a lasting legacy.
Ciara had recently celebrated her marriage to her long-term partner, Thomas Moran, surrounded by family and friends, just three weeks ago.
The athlete publicly revealed her cancer diagnosis in July 2025 and subsequently spoke openly about her illness.
One of Ireland's most successful middle-distance runners, Ciara enjoyed a remarkable athletics career, culminating in her historic gold medal victory in the women's 1500m at the European Athletics Championships in Rome in 2024.
She also represented Ireland at the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021, while an Achilles injury cruelly ruled her out of the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Her other achievements included European Championship bronze in 2016, silver in 2022 and a Commonwealth Games silver medal in 2022.
Ciara is survived by her husband Thomas, parents Christopher and Catherine, siblings Máire, Brendan and Nuala, and her extended family and friends.