Ciara Mageean’s husband shares a moving tribute to the Irish Olympic runner

Thomas Moran has paid an emotional tribute to his wife, Irish Olympian Ciara Mageean, following her death at 34 after she was diagnosed with bowel cancer. In a message accompanied by photographs from their life together, Moran reflected on the relationship they shared over 12 years. He wrote that he knew soon after meeting Mageean that she was special, describing her as kind, caring, generous and beautiful. He said he became devoted to her, adding that her happiness, fears and ambitions became part of his own life. Supporting her dreams, he wrote, became his purpose. Moran recalled the home they built together, with two cats and a dog, and the experiences they shared while travelling, racing, celebrating victories and coping with setbacks. Rather than make his message solely about grief, he said he wanted to express pride in the time they had together. He listed moments he would always treasure, from growing into adulthood alongside Mageean and helping her pursue her ambitions to carrying her across the threshold of their first home. He also remembered seeing her hold their puppy Sam, supporting her through cancer treatment and watching her walk down the aisle on their wedding day. Moran said he was beside her with her family in her final moments. He wrote that Mageean meant a great deal to many people and described her as immensely proud, loyal and fierce. Recalling her strength, Moran said he would miss the future they had imagined, including the races they might have run, homes they might have made and children they had hoped to have. He added that she would remain in his heart as a source of hope and inspiration.