[9] In 2006, having finished school, Ciaran decided to take up a scholarship at the University of Michigan under Coach Ron Warhurst where he earned Academic All-Big Ten Conference three years in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

[10] After numerous season-ending injuries (osteitis pubis, L5 disc herniation, hip bursitis) he decided to transfer to Florida State University in 2009.

A recurrence of Ciaran’s back disc injury in 2010 led to 6 months on the sidelines and with surgery imminent, he thought his running career might well be over.

[11] However, he battled through a summer of intense therapy and came back in the Autumn of 2010 to become All American at the NCAA Men's Division I Cross Country Championship.

[17] Ciarán O'Lionáird of Ireland ran 7:50.40 at 2013 European Athletics Indoor Championships – Men's 3000 metres earned a bronze medal.