- 08 November, 2026
Portaferry, November 3, 2026: Family members, friends, sporting colleagues and members of the local community gathered at St. Patrick’s Church, Ballyphilip, in Portaferry, Northern Ireland, for the Requiem Mass of Irish Olympic middle-distance runner Ciara Mageean, who died aged 34 following a battle with stage-four bowel cancer.
Mageean, the reigning European 1500m champion, died on Sunday, 1 November, after being diagnosed with cancer in 2025. Her funeral Mass was celebrated in her hometown, where mourners remembered not only her remarkable sporting achievements but also her faith, courage and strength during her final months.
Fr. Martin Kelly, who had known Mageean since arriving in the parish in 2000, when she was an eight-year-old altar server, paid an emotional tribute to the athlete. Recalling a visit to her at the Marie Curie Hospice three weeks before her death, he spoke about their conversation concerning faith, acceptance and the love surrounding her.
“I said that the reality of all this love was the expression of how God was loving her and cherishing her, especially at this time of her life,” Fr Kelly told mourners.
The priest recalled asking Mageean what special graces she needed during that difficult period.
They discussed the challenge of accepting her circumstances and the importance of trusting in the love of her husband, Thomas Moran, her family, friends and supporters across Ireland and Europe.
Fr. Kelly also remembered Mageean's contribution to the community and the immense pride and happiness her achievements had brought to people throughout the country.
Mageean's funeral cortège received a guard of honour from her local camogie club, Portaferry GAC, and her former school, Assumption Grammar School in Ballynahinch.
Her funeral brought together people from different generations, reflecting the impact she had made both as an international athlete and as a much-loved member of her local community.
Born in Portaferry on 12 March 1992, Mageean became one of Ireland's most successful middle-distance runners. She represented Ireland at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and established herself as a leading competitor in the 1500m.
Her greatest achievement came at the 2024 European Athletics Championships in Rome, where she won gold in the women's 1500m. The victory made her the first Irish individual European outdoor athletics champion since Sonia O'Sullivan.
She also secured European Championship bronze in 2016 and silver in 2022, alongside a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Mageean held Irish national records in the 800m, 1,000m, 1500m and mile, leaving a lasting contribution to Irish athletics.
Mageean publicly announced her cancer diagnosis in July 2025 and later revealed that she had stage-four bowel cancer.
Despite her illness, she remained an inspiration to supporters and fellow athletes. She married her long-time partner, Thomas Moran, in Belfast on 12 October 2026, just weeks before her death.
Her passing prompted tributes from sporting organisations, athletes and political leaders across Ireland.
Mageean will be remembered not only for her medals and records, but also for her determination, warmth and courage. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes in Ireland and beyond.
Courtesy : Church Pop
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