Olympian Ciara Mageean has married her long-term partner Thomas Moran in a small civil ceremony held in Belfast on Monday. The couple celebrated the occasion with photographs taken at several iconic city locations, including Belfast City Hall, the Titanic Docks and the Cathedral Quarter's distinctive umbrellas. Her agent confirmed that a larger wedding celebration with extended family and friends is planned for the coming weeks.
Mageean, a two-time Olympian from Portaferry, shared images from the day on social media. The couple's photographer captured them celebrating with champagne in front of Belfast's historic Harland and Wolff cranes, marking a significant personal milestone for the athlete.
Her cancer diagnosis and recovery
The athlete was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in May 2025. By the end of May 2026, according to reports on her health progress, Mageean had completed 18 rounds of chemotherapy and was awaiting scan results that could affect her prognosis. Following her initial 12 chemotherapy rounds, her oncologist estimated she might have two to three years remaining after surgery and radiotherapy were ruled out as treatment options.
When discussing her diagnosis publicly, Mageean demonstrated her characteristic resilience.
I think in life you make your own hope. I'm not going to let this cancer win.
A decorated athletic career
Mageean's achievements in middle-distance running span multiple Olympic Games and continental championships. She made her Olympic debut in Rio in 2016 and competed at the delayed 2021 Games in Tokyo, though her preparations were hampered by a calf injury. She was set to race at the Paris Olympics in 2024 as a reigning European champion but an Achilles injury ruled her out on the eve of her 1500m heat.
At the European Championships, Mageean has claimed medals across three consecutive editions. After recovering from a serious ankle injury, she finished third in 2016 and was runner-up in 2022 before topping the podium in Rome for Ireland in 2024. Her stellar career has also included a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
The middle-distance runner holds Irish national records in the 800m, 1000m, 1500m and mile distances. She was named the 2023 Northern Ireland Sports Personality of the Year following an impressive campaign in which she broke national records and finished fourth in a competitive World Championships final.
Key Facts
- Mageean married Thomas Moran in a civil ceremony in Belfast on Monday
- The couple plan a larger wedding celebration with family and friends in the coming weeks
- She was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in May 2025 and completed 18 chemotherapy rounds by May 2026
- She is a two-time Olympian with three medals from European Championships, including gold in Rome in 2024
- She holds multiple Irish national records in middle-distance running events
