Tears of joy for Ciara Mageaan as Amhrán na bhFiann plays in Rome

Ciara Mageean joined Sonia O'Sullivan as the only individual gold medallists for Ireland across 26 editions of the European Athletics Championships.

Ireland’s Ciara Mageean with her 1500m gold medal at the European Athletics Championships in Rome. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

It was a moment she had long dreamed of, long spoken about, and in Rome on Monday evening it finally became a reality for Ciara Mageean. And the tears of joy came flowing along with it.

At the age of 32, the Portaferry native climbed to the top step of the medal rostrum for the first time at a major championship, standing tall with the gold medal around her neck as Amhrán na bhFiann blasted out alongside the Stadio Olimpico.