Ciara Mageean: Ireland's European 1500 metres gold medallist dies at the age of 34 after battling cancer

Ireland's European 1500 metres gold medallist Ciara Mageean has died at the age of 34. Two-time Olympian Mageean, who won the European title in Rome in 2024, announced last year she had been diagnosed with cancer.A statement on her Instagram account on Sunday read: "At 6:30am this morning, Ciara lost her battle with cancer surrounded by her loved ones. A beloved daughter, sister, wife, friend and inspiration to so many, she will be deeply missed."A statement from Athletics Ireland read: "Athletics Ireland is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ciara Mageean."Ciara was a much-loved and inspirational figure who touched the lives of so many. Her courage, warmth and spirit will leave a lasting legacy."The thoughts and heartfelt 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."Athletes from across the world of sport flooded the post with tributes.Australian Olympic 1500m silver medallist Jess Hull wrote: "There are no words. Just the most beautiful person in every way imaginable."You will be so missed, our hearts and love are with Tommy and your family. Lucky to have shared some miles with you but even more special to have celebrated milestones at the finish line together, I'm so grateful for every moment, rest easy Ciara."Scottish distance runner Eilish McColgan said: "Sending so much love and strength to all your closest. A remarkable person."Jake Wightman, the 2022 world 1500m champion, shared the post in an Instagram story alongside the caption: "So sad to read this. A real bright light from our sport and the world gone. RIP Ciara."Republic of Ireland footballer Amber Barrett wrote: "Devastated. A light of elegance and grace. Jesus Ciara, you've broken a nation. God rest your soul. I'm blessed to have had you in my life."Barrett's team-mate and Republic captain Katie McCabe added on X: "Truly heartbreaking news to hear about Ciara this morning. Sending all my love & prayers to her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We were so lucky to have such an incredible athlete represent our country with so much pride. May she rest in peace."Mageean, from Portaferry, County Down, in Northern Ireland, was married last month.Mageean, who competed at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics, also won European 1500m silver in 2022 and bronze in 2016, while she finished fourth in the World Championships in 2023.She won silver competing for Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022. A British Athletics statement read: "Everyone at British Athletics sends our thoughts and condolences to Ciara Mageean's family, friends, and coaches and all our friends at Athletics Ireland at this incredibly sad time."Ciara was a true inspiration on and off the track, may she rest in peace."