The funeral of Olympian Ciara Mageean took place on Tuesday, drawing hundreds who came to pay their respects. Celebrated as a "truly remarkable, immensely talented and inspirational human being," her life was honored with heartfelt tributes.

Mageean, a former European champion and two-time Olympic runner, passed away on Sunday following a diagnosis of stage four bowel cancer. Notable attendees included Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill, fellow Olympian Rhys McClenaghan, and 1972 gold medallist Lady Mary Peters.

Her funeral cortege received a guard of honour from Portaferry GAC and Assumption Grammar, her former school located in Ballynahinch. The Mass booklet featured an image capturing Mageean's pinnacle achievement, the moment she crossed the finish line at the 2024 European Championships.

In his homily, Fr Martin Kelly, who had known Mageean since childhood, reflected on her numerous accomplishments, her deep love for her husband, and the joy she brought to her hometown. Throughout her career, Mageean represented Ireland at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics and secured a gold medal in the 1500m at the 2024 European Athletics Championships. She also made her mark by winning silver for Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022.