Irish Olympian Ciara Mageean Laid to Rest in Portaferry
Hundreds gathered in Portaferry for the funeral of the late European champion and two‑time Olympian.
“Truly remarkable, immensely talented and inspirational human being”—those were the words read at the funeral of Olympian Ciara Mageean.
The requiem Mass was held at St Patrick’s Church in Portaferry, County Down, at 2:00 GMT on Tuesday, with mourners arriving around midday.
Among the attendees were Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill, fellow Olympian Rhys McClenaghan, 1972 gold‑medallist Lady Mary Peters, SDLP leader Claire Hanna, GAA President Jarlath Burns and former boxer Paddy Barnes.
Representatives for Irish President Catherine Connolly and the Irish Government were also present.
A guard of honour was provided by Portaferry GAC and Assumption Grammar School, Mageean’s former school in Ballynahinch.
The funeral cortege travelled a short distance along Ballyphilip Road from Mageean’s family home to the church, followed by family, friends and other mourners.
Father Martin Kelly, who knew Mageean since childhood, delivered the homily, recalling her achievements, her love for husband Thomas Moran and the pride she brought to her hometown.
He also recounted a recent hospice visit when Mageean suggested a walk and, noticing his difficulty, offered to link arms with him.
The Mass booklet featured an image of Mageean crossing the finish line at the 2024 European Championships, her greatest track achievement.
Ciara Mageean, a former European champion and two‑time Olympic runner, died on Sunday after being diagnosed with stage‑four bowel cancer, just weeks after marrying her long‑term partner Thomas Moran.
