Devastated hometown of Ciara Mageean to 'wrap her family in love'
The hometown of Irish Olympian Ciara Mageean is said to be devastated by the loss of its sporting hero, a close family friend vowing Portaferry will now “wrap her family in love”.
Joe Boyle, also a councillor representing the village on Co Down’s Ards Peninsula, was at the 34-year-old’s wedding last month and describes it as an extraordinary “day of joy” and “a celebration, as well as a goodbye”.
Mr Boyle also said the ceremony at Darver Castle in Dundalk was one of the most meaningful experiences of his life.
“It says so much about Ciara that it was a day of joy,” he stated. “She was having ‘the craic’ as she did all through the decades I had known her.”
Portaferry as a whole, he added, is now struggling to come to terms with her loss.
“She meant so much to people here,” he said.
“No matter how far her talent took her, she never forgot where she came from. She carried herself with extraordinary determination, humility and pride.
“But Ciara was so much more than her medals; she was warm, grounded and full of life, and immensely proud of Portaferry and the people who supported her.
“I know the people of Portaferry will wrap her family in love in the unimaginably difficult days ahead.”
The district’s mayor described her “an extraordinary ambassador” whose achievements “brought immense pride” to the area.
Said Craig Blaney: “Ciara inspired so many through her courage, determination, warmth and resilience. She will be remembered with great affection.”