Rugby Tribute: Mageean Honored Before Ireland vs. Argentina
A minute’s applause will recognize four deceased individuals, including track and field star Ciara Mageean, prior to tonight’s international match.
By Zoe Harrison ·
Fans and players at the Aviva Stadium will pause for a minute’s applause before the rugby match between Ireland and Argentina begins tonight. The pre-game tribute honors four individuals who have passed away recently, with the ceremony scheduled for 8.10 p.m.
Ciara Mageean is one of the four honorees. The former athlete died earlier this week at the age of 34 after a battle with stage four bowel cancer. Her death was confirmed yesterday via a statement on her Instagram account. The message noted she passed at 6:30 a.m. surrounded by loved ones. It described her as a beloved daughter, sister, wife, friend, and inspiration.
The other three individuals recognized in the tribute are Philip Browne, the former IRFU Chief Executive of Ireland, Phil O’Callaghan, a former Ireland and Munster forward, and Fergus Slattery, a former Ireland and Lions back row player. Honoring Mageean marks a shift from the standard practice of recognizing only former rugby players before international test matches.
Mageean was a prominent figure in track and field. She won a gold medal at the European Championships in the 1500 meters. She competed in two Olympic Games and held Irish national records in the 800m, 1,000m, 1,500m, and one mile races. She also had previous ties to the rugby world, having presented jerseys to the Ireland women’s team during their 2020 Six Nations match against Wales.
Mageean was laid to rest at St Patrick’s Church in Ballyphilip, County Down, on Tuesday. Fellow athlete and friend Phily Bowden paid tribute to her online, calling her a fierce friend. The Ireland versus Argentina game is set to open the November Internationals series in Dublin. The match will be broadcast live on Virgin Media television.
