The parents of Ciara Mageean have spoken of their huge pride in her achievement as she won a gold for Ireland at the European Championships in Rome last night.
Ciara burst through to lead off the final bend and win the 1500 metres.
The Co Down athlete said her years spent playing camogie for St Patrick’s Portaferry gave her the physical edge she needed to take the title.
Her father Christopher said he knew when he saw her face in the closing stages that she had what it took to take the medal.
“She took them on and took the gold which is what we’ve been waiting for for the last 15 years.”
Her mother Catherine said the family was “bursting with pride” at the achievement.
But there will be no joyous homecoming in the days ahead.
Her total focus is now on the Paris Olympics in August.
“She’ll go straight back to altitude back up to St Moritz to finish her training sessions in the run in to Paris,” said Catherine.
Christopher said the family hoped to see her in the Olympic final.
At that point he said anything could happen.
“She’ll take a go at it as she does with everything in life, that’s one thing your guaranteed. If Ciara Mageean gets into the final of the Olympics she’ll be there for the gold. She’s fearless.”
Both her parents were accomplished hurling and camogie players in their time.
While Ciara gave up camogie when athletics dominated her sporting life they say it remains her “first love”.
