Sonia O'Sullivan says Ciara Mageean earned her place in Irish history
The former record holder was in Brussels when Mageean broke the 1,500m record, marking a shift in the legacy between the two athletes.
By Priya Marino ·
Sonia O'Sullivan is watching from the stands in Brussels as Ciara Mageean shatters the Irish record for the 1,500 meters. For years, Mageean carried the weight of being labeled the successor to O'Sullivan. That label disappeared the moment she crossed the line. In a column published on November 3, 2026, O'Sullivan writes that Mageean has earned her own place as the best Irish female runner at that distance. She notes that Mageean could now take the baton from her.
The two athletes shared a warm embrace immediately after the race. O'Sullivan describes it as one of many special moments they have shared over the years. The interaction marks a transition in Irish track and field. The senior athlete steps back from the shadow of her own legacy. The junior athlete steps forward into her own identity.
The relationship between the two runners has extended beyond the track. Michael Darragh MacAuley spent six days trekking across Costa Rica with Mageean earlier this year. The trip was for an episode of RTÉ's Uncharted show. MacAuley, a former Dublin footballer, spoke to Gordon Manning about the woman he came to know during that journey. His memories offer a look at Mageean's character away from the stadium.
The sports section also covers the upcoming Nations Championship meeting against Argentina. John O'Sullivan interviews Ulster winger Robert Baloucoune. Baloucoune has taken confidence from his form in the previous Six Nations Championship. Gerry Thornley explains the structure of the Nations Championship for readers unfamiliar with the format.
In rugby union, Leinster confirmed the appointment of Noel McNamara to succeed Leo Cullen at the end of the season. Thornley argues the choice makes sense, even if it lacks the stardust and experience of other notional candidates like Felipe Contepomi and Ronan O'Gara. The decision was announced by Leinster this morning.
On the golf course, Rory McIlroy still has a chance to top the DP World Tour order of merit for a record-equaling eighth time. Philip Reid notes the task is difficult because Eugenio Chacarra and Patrick Reed currently lead the rankings. Séamus Power aims to finish his season on a high note after securing his full card for next year. The Waterford man is playing in Mexico this week.
In horse racing, Point Of Law won the Lexus Melbourne Cup in the early hours of this morning. The victory proves the horse is Australian racing royalty. Trainer Gordon Elliott is considering sending Mange Tout to Liverpool for the Molyneaux Hurdle this weekend. Elliott is also weighing the possibility of entering the horse for the Grand National.
Source: The Irish Times
