Down sportswoman Ciara Mageean has died after a long fight against cancer
Hazzard pays tribute to Ciara Mageean.
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has paid tribute to Portaferry athlete Ciara Mageean, who has died aged 34 following a battle with cancer.
Mageean, a two-time Olympian and European 1500m champion, was widely regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest middle-distance runners. She represented Ireland at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games and won European gold in Rome in 2024.
The South Down MP said: “I am deeply saddened to hear the devastating news about Ciara Mageean. A light has gone out today.
“On the track, Ciara was a giant; a European champion, a record-breaker, and a competitor who wore the green geansaí with relentless courage and pride.
“She embodied the very best of Portaferry, County Down, and the Irish spirit.
“She was defined by sheer resilience and unyielding hope. Time and again, through injury and heartbreak, she showed us what it meant to dig deep, rise again, and lead by example.
“Beneath that ferocious, competitive fire was someone exceptionally warm, humble, and authentic. She made an entire island proud to call her one of our own.
“I send all my love and deepest condolences to her husband Thomas, the Mageean family, and the Portaferry community.
“Thank you for inspiring us all, Ciara. You were the best of us. Codladh Sámh.”
