World Athletics is deeply saddened to learn that Ireland’s 2024 European 1,500m champion, Ciara Mageean, died on Sunday (1) at the age of 34.
An inspiration to many, on and off the track, the two-time Olympian announced in July 2025 that she had been diagnosed with cancer.
A statement posted on her social media on Sunday read: “At 6:30 this morning, Ciara lost her battle with cancer surrounded by her loved ones. Daughter, sister, wife, friend and inspiration to so many, she will be deeply missed.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”
Mageean made history in 2024 by winning European 1,500m gold in Rome, becoming the second athlete after Sonia O’Sullivan to secure an individual European title for Ireland. She added this honor to the European silver she won in 2022 and her European bronze medal from 2016, as well as the European indoor bronze medal she won in 2019.
She finished fourth at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest and has competed in two editions of the Olympics, in Rio in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021. She was expected to compete in the 2024 Games in Paris before that was ruled out due to injury.
Mageean has also won medals at world level, starting her career by becoming a World U18 silver medalist in the 800m in 2009 before winning a medal of the same color in the 1500m at the U20 World Championships a year later – the same year she made her Commonwealth Games debut, reaching the 1500m final at the age of 18.
She then became a Commonwealth Games silver medalist in the 1,500m in Birmingham in 2022.
Mageean last competed in 2024, finishing her career as the Irish record holder in the 800m (1:58.51), 1000m (2:31.06), 1500m (3:55.87) and mile (4:14.58).
“It is with great sadness that we learned this morning of Ciara’s passing at such a young age. A European champion and an inspiration to many, it is a sad day for our sport – her loss will be felt throughout the athletics community.» said World Athletics President Sebastian Coe.
“On behalf of everyone at World Athletics and the entire athletics family, I send our sincere condolences to Ciara’s family and loved ones.”
A statement from Athletics Ireland read: “Ciara was a much-loved and inspiring figure who touched the lives of so many. Her courage, warmth and spirit will leave a lasting legacy.
“The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at Athletics Ireland are with Ciara’s family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. May she rest in peace.”
World Athletics
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