NATIONAL record-holding runner Ciara Mageean is being sent messages of support from home as she prepares to take to the track at the Tokyo Olympics.
The former camog from Portaferry is due to compete in the 1,500m for Ireland at 1.35am on Monday.
The talented athlete is the daughter of former Down hurler Chris `The Hunter’ Mageean.
Portaferry GAC shared a photograph of a young Ciara in the club's blue and yellow on its Twitter page.
"The committee, members and your friends at Portaferry GAC wish you all the best of luck during your time at the Olympics Ciara! We will be supporting you all the way and no matter what we are super proud of you," it posted.
Mageean, who cites an aunt, Edel Mason, the first woman to win All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championships with two different counties (Down and then Antrim), as a major inspiration, previously revealed she still longs to play the game.
Good luck wishes were last night also being sent to Co Tyrone athlete Eilish Flanagan, who is due to compete in the 3,000m steeplechase early on Sunday.
Sending support to the first-time Olympian, Gortin St Patricks GAA wrote on Twitter: "Naomh Pádraig agus Mná Both Domhnaigh wish Eilish Flanagan the very best of luck competing at the Tokyo Olympics!
"An amazing achievement, filling the community with pride."
