Ciara Mageean celebrates gold at European Championships in Rome

Portaferry runner Ciara Mageean won a magnificent gold in the 1,500 metres at the European Championships in Rome.

The 32-year-old crossed the line in 4:04.66, just ahead of Great Britain's Georgia Bell.

Mageean has already won bronze and silver medals at previous European games.

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill offered her congratulations.

"An extraordinary achievement that is testament to Ciara’s dedication and hard work," she said.

"You have done yourself, your family, Portaferry, and the entire island incredibly proud Ciara."

"Words can't even come close," Ciara told RTE after the race.

"Everybody back home home knows how long I've been doing this and how hard I've been trying

And I've had so many times whenever I've come off here and I've not felt quite the way I am today. Out on that track today I was super nervous, but with a plan and with a mission.

I've been, , everybody back home home knows how long I've been doing this and how hard I've been trying And I've had so many times whenever I've come off here and I've not felt quite the way I am today I mean, I on that track today super nervous, but with a plan and with a mission.

"When I was getting a bit boxed in there, I thought, 'Oh, my God,' I have all the legs left, but nowhere to go. "I didn't grow up playing camogie to get boxed in, though. I want to thank everybody.

"Everybody who has helped me get here today to win my first senior gold medal for Ireland to be at the top of the podium to hear our national anthem and to show world athletics that the Irish are here and we are We are here to show where we belong."

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