34-Year-Old Olympian Ciara Mageean to Be Buried in Portaferry

Ciara Mageean will be laid to rest tomorrow at the cemetery adjoining St Patrick's Church in Ballyphillip, Portaferry. The funeral follows a period of public viewing at her parents' home on Biallyphillip Road, which opened today at 10:00 a.m. The residence remains open to visitors until 1:00 p.m. and again from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. before the home closes to the public for the ceremony.

Mageean died on Sunday at 6:30 a.m., surrounded by family members. Her death was confirmed yesterday in a statement posted to her Instagram account. The message described her as a beloved daughter, sister, wife, friend, and inspiration. It concluded with the Irish phrase, 'Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.'

The track athlete was 34 years old. Earlier this year, she disclosed a diagnosis of stage four bowel cancer. She was known for speaking openly about her condition. Mageean held Irish national records in the 800 meters, 1,000 meters, 1,500 meters, and one mile. She won a gold medal in the 1,500 meters at the European Championships and competed in two Olympic Games.

In lieu of flowers, her family requested donations be directed to Bowel Cancer Ireland and Marie Curie. The hospice charity and the cancer organization are listed as the preferred recipients for those wishing to contribute.

Mageean married her long-term partner, Thomas Moran, three weeks ago. The couple held their wedding ceremony at Belfast City Hall. They subsequently celebrated at Darver Castle in Dundalk, County Louth, during the October Bank Holiday weekend. The marriage occurred shortly before her passing.

The funeral service is scheduled for tomorrow. The family will gather at St Patrick's Church in Ballyphillip. Burial will take place at the adjacent cemetery immediately following the service.