Young woman who died after Cork City Marathon is named
The young woman who died after becoming ill at the finish line of the Cork City Marathon was a talented swimmer who represented Ireland.
Ellen Cassidy, 24, from Old Mallow Road in Cork city, was among more than 11,000 people who took to the streets for the full and half marathon events and the 10k race on Sunday.
She became unwell at the finishing line on St Patrick's Street at around 1pm after completing the half marathon.
She was treated at the scene by medics before being rushed by ambulance to Cork University Hospital.
Ms Cassidy was pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later.
She was a well-known swimmer with Dolphin Swimming Club and represented Ireland at the European Youth Olympics in 2015 and the European Junior Championships in 2018.
She also represented Ireland at international schools level and was on the Mardyke Arena UCC Emerging Talent Programme in 2018.
In a statement, the Cork City Marathon organisers said: 'Cork City Council is deeply saddened to confirm that a participant in the Cork City Marathon has tragically passed away.
"The person was attended to immediately by the emergency services on the scene. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.'
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The Irish Sun
11 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘A great person' – Daniel Wiffen pays heartfelt tribute to Irish swimming champ who died after Cork half-marathon
DANIEL Wiffen has added his personal tribute to the countless paid to Ellen Cassidy after she died at the Cork City half-marathon. Ellen, 24, passed away Advertisement 3 Her death has triggered sadness across the Irish swimming community Credit: @ 3 The double Olympic medallist described her as a 'great person' 3 Her family have confirmed her funeral will be held on Thursday Credit: In addition to being a runner, her primary sport was swimming. She was previously the co-captain of University College Cork's swim team and had represented Ireland at the European Youth Olympics as well as the European Junior Championships. The college graduate was a member of University College Cork's Emerging Talent programme. Due to her being such an accomplished swimmer, it's evident she and Advertisement Read More On Irish Sport Reacting to her untimely death, he shared a Swim Ireland memorial post about her and added his own words of sorrow. He solemnly wrote: "Such sad news, Ellen was such a great person. My thoughts are with her family." His fellow Paris Games medallist Mona McSharry Ellen's grieving family have confirmed that Advertisement Most read in Other Sports In a heartbreaking funeral notice, they said: "We are devastated to announce the tragic and sudden death of Ellen Cassidy on 1st June, 2025. A beautiful and amazing young lady. Ellen will be "forever loved and truly missed" by her mum, Vi, her dad, Tom, her sister, Mary, her brother, Charlie and her boyfriend, Rob. Watch RTE panel's ecstatic reaction to Mona McSharry nabbing bronze medal at Paris Olympics RTE 2 She will also be missed by her "beloved grandparents", Joan, Billy, Tom and the late Noreen. Ellen will repose in her home on Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm. Advertisement Requiem Mass will be held at 2pm on Thursday in The Church of the Annunciation at Blackpool in The family has asked all ladies who are attending the funeral to wear "their most colourful outfit" and bring a flower if they wish to do so. She has been remembered as "a true ray of sunshine" and "a genuine girl" in heartbreaking tributes that have been pouring in. UCC TRIBUTE Her old college issued a statement that touched on how "Ellen was so much more than just a swimmer". Advertisement It read: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the sudden passing of our dear friend, teammate and former co-captain Ellen Cassidy, who tragically passed away on Sunday. "Ellen was so much more than just a swimmer, she was the heart of it. "From her early days as treasurer to her her time leading as co-captain, Ellen brought unmatched energy, dedication and care to everything she did. "She was the kind of person who showed up for every set, every teammate, every moment and she made it better by just being there. Advertisement "Anyone who knew Ellen will remember the way she lit up a pool deck. "She had the brightest smile, the warmest hello and the effortless way of making everyone feel seen and valued. "She never let anyone feel like a stranger, she learned your name, asked how you were, and really meant it. "Ellen graduated from UCC in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, commitment and genuine love for this team and everyone in it. Advertisement "As co-captain she brought us together, celebrated our wins big and small, and made sure that no one ever felt alone. "Our thoughts and sympathies are with Ellen's family, her many friends, and everyone lucky enough to have known her. "Her absence is felt deeply, but her spirit will always be a part of this team. "We love you Ellen, thank you for everything. You will always be with us, in every practice, every race, every laugh on deck and in our hearts. Rest in peace, Ellen Cassidy." Advertisement
The Irish Sun
13 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Devastated' family of woman, 24, who died after Cork marathon confirm funeral details and make ‘colourful outfit' plea
THE HEARTBROKEN family of a 24-year-old woman who died after falling ill during a marathon in Cork have confirmed she will be laid to rest on Thursday. Ellen Cassidy, 24, sadly passed away after falling ill at the finish line of the Advertisement In a heartbreaking funeral notice, her family said: "We are devastated to announce the tragic and sudden death of Ellen Cassidy on 1st June, 2025. A beautiful and amazing young lady. Ellen will be "forever loved and truly missed" by her mum, Vi, her dad, Tom, her sister, Mary, her brother, Charlie and her boyfriend, Rob. She will also be missed by her "beloved grandparents", Joan, Billy, Tom and the late Noreen. The talented young swimmer will also be deeply missed by her coaches, teachers and work colleagues. Advertisement READ MORE IN NEWS Ellen will repose in her home on Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm. Requiem Mass will be held at 2pm on Thursday in The Church of the Annunciation at Blackpool in The family has asked all ladies who are attending the funeral to wear "their most colourful outfit" and bring a flower if they wish to do so. The tragic runner has been remembered as "a true ray of sunshine" and "a genuine girl" in heartbreaking tributes that have been pouring in. Advertisement Most read in Irish News Breaking Exclusive A mourner said: "Our deepest condolences on the heartbreaking passing of your beautiful girl, Ellen. "She has left a legacy behind that will always be remembered, a shining star - such a gifted young lady, taken too soon. There are no words for your loss. 'ABSOLUTLEY ONE OF A KIND' A close friend wrote: "Absolutely heartbroken over Ellen's passing. "She was not only an amazing friend but somebody I always looked up to both inside and outside the pool. She was always kind, helpful and humble. Advertisement "I will never forget the laughs and fun we had together. We started off as team mates and ended up as friends, I will treasure that friendship forever. "Ellen was a genuine girl who always had time for every single person she met and never failed to put a smile on peoples' faces. "She will be truly loved and missed by every single person she ever met. Her achievements speak for themselves and show that she was absolutely one of a kind." Advertisement Ellen was a champion She was an inspiration to everyone she met" Swim Munster In a tribute paid by the club, they said: "Ellen swam through life with grace, strength and passion. Your smile and your drive will never be forgotten. "Our deepest condolences to all the Cassidy family and friends." A spokesperson for Swim Munster paid tribute to Ellen: "Swim Munster is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Ellen Cassidy yesterday. Advertisement "Ellen swan with Dolphin Swimming Club, "She was an inspiration to everyone she met and dedicated to her sport of swimming and the promotion of it, most recently as Joint Chairperson of the UCC Swimming Club and the organization of the Inter Varsities Swimming Championship in Cork in 2024." Ellen had competed on behalf of her club, Munster and Ireland at the She had also been on a UCC Emerging Talent programme and represented Ireland at the international schools level. Advertisement 1 Ellen Cassidy tragically passed away after a marathon in Cork City Credit:
Irish Times
15 hours ago
- Irish Times
Tributes to two Irishwomen who died after competing in separate marathon events
Two Irishwomen have died after competing in separate race events. Olivia Touhy (24) from Ennis, Co Clare collapsed after participating in the Edinburgh half marathon on Sunday, May 25th. She was a student at Queen Margaret University in the city. In the funeral notice published on she was described as a 'bright and beautiful spirit' with a 'bubbly personality and kind heart'. READ MORE Clare Ladies Gaelic Football described her as a vibrant spirit whose 'absence will be felt profoundly'. 'Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, her partner and all who loved her during this difficult time. May she rest in peace.' Ms Touhy is survived by her parents Kieran and Liz, her brother Stephen and her partner Michael. Funeral details will be announced at a later date. Separately, Ellen Cassidy (24) died in hospital on Sunday after becoming unwell at the finish line of the Cork City marathon. Ms Cassidy, of Old Mallow Road in Co Cork, became ill at about 1pm on Sunday after she had finished the half marathon, which is part of the overall race, in Cork City centre. She was tended to at the scene by medics before being transferred to Cork University Hospital by ambulance. She was pronounced dead a short time later. Ms Cassidy was a graduate of University College Cork and a former student of St Angela's College on Patrick's Hill in the city. She was a champion swimmer who participated in competitions over the years in Ireland and overseas. She joined Dolphin Swimming Club on the north side of Cork City at the age of nine and competed with distinction for her club, Munster and Ireland. She also broke a large number of club records for Dolphin where she was a former Swimmer of the Year and team captain. Ellen Cassidy (24) died after competing in the Cork City half marathon on Sunday, June 1st. In a post on Facebook, the club said Ms Cassidy made a tremendous impression on everyone she met. 'Ellen swam through life with grace, strength and passion ... Your smile and your drive will never be forgotten,' the club said. Swim Munster said she 'was an inspiration to everyone she met and dedicated to her sport of swimming and the promotion of it'. Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork and Green Party councillor Honore Kamegni posted on X that he learned with 'deep sadness' of the passing of the runner. 'She became unwell at the finish line on Patrick Street. Immediate medical attention was provided to her. My heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones,' he said.
