Ciara wins personality of the year

Ciara wins personality of the year

3 January 2024

PORTAFERRY running sensation Ciara Mageean capped off a historic 12 months by being named the BBC NI Sports Personality of the Year.

The 31 year-old had her most notable year to date, placing fifth in the women’s 1500m final at the World Championships, breaking the Irish mile record and setting numerous other national marks in the process.

Her hard work was recognised by the Sports Personality of the Year judging panel, who consisted of Lady Mary Peters, All-Ireland SFC winner Oisin McConville, Paralympian Michael McKillop, sportswoman Shirley McCay, Julie Nelson and the BBC’s Neil Brittain and Thomas Kane.

“I’m thrilled to receive this award, especially with the calibre of athletes that we have in Northern Ireland being just phenomenal,” said Ciara.

“I can’t thank everybody enough. This is just a reflection on the performances that I’ve had, but I wouldn’t be here without the support of everybody at home.

“I’m away a lot racing, but I love coming back home because it reminds me what I do it for,” she continued.

“I want to thank everybody in our community for being behind me every step of the way because, honestly, if sheer will of support could get me a global medal, I know that everybody screaming at the TV would have gotten me that gold.”

She added: “I’m truly blessed to be from our wee part of the world.”

Not one to rest on her laurels, Ciara then went on to break the women’s parkrun world record less than 24 hours later.

Ciara set a new mark of 15:13 at the Victoria Park course in Belfast to truly add the gloss on a tremendous year. Her time was 18 seconds faster than the previous holder, Welsh athlete Melissa Courtney-Bryant.

Speaking after breaking her latest record, Ciara looked ahead to what is set to be a very important year for her.

“It’s going to be a big summer for me,” she said. 

“I’ve had a nice winter block behind me, nothing too particular, just working hard so it’s nice to have a good 5K time to show for that.

“The Olympics are coming up in the summer and there’s the world indoors and the European champs as well in the run up to that.”