Sarah-Jayne Tobin
The wedding photographer who captured two-time Olympian Ciara Mageean's recent wedding has said Ireland has lost a "hero" as he opened up about being "utterly devastated" by her death. John Gillooley was hired by Ciara and her husband Tom Moran to capture their special day at Darver Castle in Louth less than two weeks ago, on Sunday October 25th, 2026, and just a week before her family announced her passing after battling stage four bowel cancer. John said that although he only knew the 34-year-old for "a short time," he said he saw a woman "facing incredible odds pulling every ounce of energy she could summon to make sure everyone had the best day." Shortly after her wedding celebration, Ciara took to social media to share a compilation of John’s photography with her followers, saying, "I hope you didn’t think we were skipping the party. An incredible day yesterday in beautiful Darver Castle, surrounded by the most amazing people." Following the sad news that she passed away days later, John wrote in a beautiful social media post: "Utterly devastated to wake up to the news of the great Ciara Mageean’s passing this morning. It’s so hard to believe that this incredible woman, pictured here just one week ago at her amazing & joyful wedding, is no longer with us. "I only got to know Ciara for such a short time but felt such a connection. I’m sure most of the photos shared today will be of her unbelievable sporting achievements and rightfully so. "But I just knew her as a bride who was going to celebrate her wedding to the man she loved more than anyone and to throw a big party for her best friends and family and nothing was going to stop her. "I saw a woman facing incredible odds pulling every ounce of energy she could summon to make sure everyone had the best day." He said he watched as Ciara got out of her make-up chair and greeted him "with the biggest hug", while helping to round up family members for photos and handing out sparklers to take part in Poc Fada. "At the start of the morning I had no idea if she’d have enough energy to be able to go through with even the ceremony. Yet here she is pictured near the end of the night, fist raised in triumph, surrounded by the beautiful energy and love of her people. "When I said goodnight to her on Sunday she gave me one more amazing hug and told me she’d love to meet up for a coffee next time she was up in Dublin. How I wish that could have been." Just one week later, her family announced the news of her shock passing. They said in a statement on Sunday morning, "At 6.30am this morning, Ciara lost her battle with cancer surrounded by her loved ones. A beloved daughter, sister, wife, friend and inspiration to so many, she will be deeply missed. "Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam." John said that hearing the news of her death is a "sad day for Ireland, a hero lost" as he shared his condolences with her family. "My heart goes out to her incredible family who surrounded her with so much love (but also incredible craic) and to her beloved Tommy. Thinking of you all." Ciara was laid to rest in her hometown of Portaferry on Tuesday, November 2nd.
Ciara Mageean shared John Gillooley's wedding photography on her social media. Image via Ciara Mageean/Instagram
Image by John Gillooley via Ciara Mageean/Instagram
Image by John Gillooley via Ciara Mageean/Instagram
Image by John Gillooley via Ciara Mageean/Instagram
Image by John Gillooley via Ciara Mageean/Instagram
Image by John Gillooley via Ciara Mageean/Instagram
Image by John Gillooley via Ciara Mageean/Instagram
Image by John Gillooley via Ciara Mageean/Instagram
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