Irish Olympian Ciara Mageean died on Sunday - just a month after marrying her long-term partner Thomas Moran after making it clear she wouldn't let cancer get in the way of her relationship

Olympian Ciara Mageean vowed "I’m not going to let this cancer get in the way" of her marriage to long-term partner Thomas Moran just weeks before she died.

The former runner passed away at the weekend at the age of 34, with her friends and family beside her. Mageean was one of Ireland's most decorated middle-distance runners and represented the Emerald Isle at two Olympic Games. She also won European gold and Commonwealth silver in the 1500m.

Only last month she tied the knot with Moran at Darver Castle in County Louth. They first met as students at University College Dublin. She was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in May 2025 at the age of 33.

Back in July she spoke to the BBC’s GAA Social and conceded “sometimes it gets a little harder to hold on to the hope”, but mantained: “Then I pick myself up and I shake myself off and remind myself there’s always some hope, so commence a new batch of treatment, continue to look forward to the things that I’m hoping to look forward to. Myself and Thomas are getting married in October. I’m not going to let this cancer get in the way of that.”

A statement posted on her social media on Sunday: "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. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam."

Mageean holds Irish records in the 800m (1:58.51), 1000m (2:31.06), 1500m (3:55.87) and mile (4:14.58) following her incredibly successful career.

Athletics Ireland paid tribute, saying: "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."

Mageean's greatest success of her career was at the 2024 European Championships in Rome. She beat Great Britain duo Georgia Bell and Jemma Reekie. After that success in Iraly injury interrupted her Olympic bid as an Achilles injury forced her to withdraw on the eve of her heat in Paris.

Earlier this year, Mageean said she was "continuing to find the joy in everyday" and thanked those who had continued to support her following her diagnosis. Earlier this year she said she was "grateful" for having a career "that many others didn't get to have".