News 7,871 views since yesterday

Portaferry gathers to remember Ciara Mageean's warmth and courage

RTÉ News shares Fr Martin Kelly's funeral tribute to the Irish Olympian, whose influence he says reached far beyond athletics.

Channel:

RTÉ News Story of November 4, 2026Trari Newsroom

Why this story? One of RTÉ News's most watched videos since yesterday, with 7,871 views.

Ciara Mageean remembered as a ‘bright light’ at funeral

Hundreds of mourners filled St Patrick's Church in Portaferry, Co Down, for Ciara Mageean's funeral, with more standing outside, RTÉ News reports. Just a few hundred metres from her home, the service remembered the person behind the European champion.

In the broadcaster's clip, Fr Martin Kelly describes a light that brings warmth, kindness and positive energy into a dark world. "Ciara Mageean was one such light," he tells the congregation.

His tribute recognises her sporting talent, but places equal weight on her humility and courage, saying her spirit touched hearts far beyond athletics. Mageean won European 1500 metres gold in 2024, a defining achievement in her middle-distance running career.

According to RTÉ's account, members of Portaferry GAA club formed a guard of honour. It was there, playing camogie, that she had taken her first sporting steps.

The funeral excerpt drew about 8,000 views since yesterday. RTÉ also published a longer report on the tributes and the mourners who gathered in her home town.

Published on Trari