Mourners asked to ‘wear bright colours' to funeral of woman who died during Cork marathon
Ellen Cassidy died on Sunday, June 1 after falling seriously ill close to the finish line of the city centre run.
In a statement Cork City Council said it was 'deeply saddened at the passing of Ellen Cassidy, a participant of the Cork City Marathon'.
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle has also offered his condolences, saying: "We extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and all who knew Ellen.
"Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.'
The 24-year-old, who hailed from Old Mallow Road in Cork and was a graduate of University College Cork, has been described as a 'beautiful and amazing young lady' by her family.
Confirming her death, they said 'Ellen will be forever loved and truly missed by her mum, Vi, her dad, Tom, her sister, Mary, her brother, Charlie, her boyfriend, Rob, her beloved grandparents, Joan, Billy and Tom and the late Noreen'.
Ms Cassidy was a keen swimmer and a member of Cork city's Dolphin Swimming Club.
Paying tribute, Swim Ireland said: 'Swim Ireland and the Irish swimming community are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Dolphin Swimming Club's Ellen Cassidy at the Cork City Marathon on Sunday.'
They added: 'Ellen represented her club, region and country with pride over many years as a competitive swimmer.
'Our condolences to Ellen's family and friends, all at Dolphin Swimming Club and the wider Cork and Munster swimming community.'
Dolphin Swimming Club has also paid tribute, saying 'Ellen swam through life with grace, strength and passion'.
'Your smile and your drive will never be forgotten,' they added.
'Our deepest condolences to all the Cassidy family and friends.'
Ms Cassidy's funeral will take place at 11am on Thursday, June 5 in The Church of the Annunciation in Blackpool, followed by burial at St. Catherine's Cemetery in Kilcully.
The family have requested that 'all the ladies wear their most colourful outfit for the funeral Mass'.
'Bring a flower also if your heart desires,' they added.
See More: Cork Marathon, Ellen Cassidy, Funeral
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
24 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Dunnes Stores fans set to love new €10 cosy sweatshirts perfect for cosy days in two colours
DUNNES Stores fans are set to love a new cosy sweatshirt that's perfect for "day-to-day wear" after it landed on racks. The Slogan Crew Neck Tracksuit Sweatshirt is now available online and in stores across the country. 2 Fashion fans can choose between two colours: red or ivory Credit: Dunnes It is priced at just €10 and comes in sizes XXS to XXL. Dunnes said: "Crafted from a cotton-rich fabric, this fleece lined sweatshirt is cut to a relaxed fit with a crew neckline. "It is designed with a bold slogan at the front. "Pair it with the matching bottoms for day-to-day wear; sold separately." Fashion fans can choose between two colours: red or ivory. And there are fab fleece-lined joggers to match. The Co-Ord Tracksuit Joggers are also priced at €10. And they are now available online and in stores across the country in three colours: ivory, mauve or denim. And it comes in sizes XXS to XXL. The retailer said: "Crafted from a cotton-rich fabric, these fleece-lined joggers are designed with an elasticated drawstring waist for ensured comfort. Dunnes Stores shopper as she reveals gorgeous autumn workwear looks for under €50 "Pair it with the matching sweatshirt for day-to-day wear; sold separately." Meanwhile, Dunnes Stores fans are also rushing to buy new leggings with a "flattering fit" after they landed on racks in an autumn colour. The retailer has been delighting fans with their lounge and activewear ranges in recent months. GYM DUPES Shoppers have been racing to get their hands on top gym dupes and pieces to wear while exercising at bargain prices. Why police were called to first Dunnes Stores opening BETWEEN the weekly food shops and bargain fashion - Dunnes Stores is a staple retailer in Irish households. But this wasn't always the case, and when the initial branch of the shop opened its doors in 1944 it caused quite the stir On March 31 of the year, Ben Dunne opened the first ever Dunnes Stores on St Patrick's Street in Co Cork. Locals quickly learned of the grand opening and flooded into the store in what the retailer's archives recall as a 'shopping frenzy.' The bargain clothing on sale inside the new store at 'pre-war prices' was one of the factors cited for the buzz. During the chaos a window was forced in and Gardai were called to the scene. Cops worked to deal with the eager crowds and keep shoppers calm and safe before they made it into the store for their first Dunnes experience. Fast forward some 80 years, the business now employs over 18,000 people and although an opening of a Dunnes branch hasn't caused quite as much stir since the very first one, it has cemented its place as one of the nation's leading retailers. Dunnes Stores now has 138 stores across Europe: 118 in the Republic of Ireland, 15 in Northern Ireland Five stores in Spain. And now, Dunnes Stores has brought out a brand new pair of leggings with a very unique detail. The Marl Fold Over Flare Leggings are selling for just €20. The leggings come in a brown colour, making them super versatile to pair with any shade. Shoppers can get the leggings in sizes XS to XL and the leggings are very flattering. They feature tight-fitting material on the legs, which turns into flares at the bottom. This creates a stunning silhouette, and is great for showing off your figure. But the main appeal to the leggings is at the waist. Dunnes Stores fashion chiefs described them as "unique". In the official item description on the Dunnes Stores website, bosses wrote: "These leggings are finished with a marl effect that creates a unique look, and a smart fold over design that allows you to adjust the waistband to your preferred fit. "They are complete with a flattering flared leg. Matching items available; sold separately."
Irish Independent
25 minutes ago
- Irish Independent
‘You will be in my heart forever' – Sister of Martha Nolan tells funeral of the ‘unbreakable' bond they shared
Martha Nolan (33), a fashion designer and entrepreneur, was found unresponsive at Montauk Yacht Club in East Hampton on Long Island, New York, on August 5 and was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency medical responders and East Hampton police arrived. Ms Nolan was originally from Carlow but had been living in the US since 2015. During her funeral mass today at The Cathedral of the Assumption in Carlow town, voices with both Irish and American accents echoed around the church – a testament to the lives Ms Nolan touched, both sides of the Atlantic. Despite her ambition and success in America, Ms Nolan never forgot her Irish roots. Placed next to her coffin was her fashion brand and legacy, East x East, alongside a tin whistle – two symbols representing two very different chapters in Ms Nolan's life. An Irish and an American flag were also placed beside her coffin by her loved ones, a tribute to a 'short but packed life' spent in Ireland and then America. Accompanying the two flags was a passport, symbolising Ms Nolan's love for travel and adventure, along with a copy of St. Martha's prayer, which Ms Nolan's mother Elma, said every Tuesday. Ms Nolan was born on a Tuesday and passed away on a Tuesday. The hundreds of mourners attending Ms Nolan's funeral mass today heard that Ms Nolan will always be remembered by her loved ones as 'loyal, supportive and full of life'. Her partner Nick DeRubio smiled as he recalled how Ms Nolan 'had a special way of lighting up every room she walked into'. "One couldn't help but feel her positive presence in every space she entered,' said Nick. 'Martha had a way of putting people she loved first. She loved helping people and many of you in this room have been lucky enough to experience that love. Whether it was telling me to 'cop on and focus on the good in life' or just being a shoulder to lean on. "The shining light that Martha brought into this world is a reflection of everybody in this room,' continued Nick as he addressed the large congregation sat before him. 'Friends, family and loved ones, both past and present, we've all been lucky to have known Martha and we must live everyday with her in our hearts. May she rest in peace,' he concluded. ADVERTISEMENT Next to speak was Ms Nolan's sister, Jacqui, who spoke of the 'unbreakable' love and sister bond she and Ms Nolan shared. "Martha, my beautiful sister,' she said. 'You taught me everything I needed to know in life. I didn't always see you, but I always knew you were there. "Growing up with you was like having a built-in best friend. From sharing secrets, to late night talks, we have been through it all together. Through thick and thin, a sister's love is consistent. We know each others quirks, dreams and fears. The bond between us sisters is unique and unbreakable.' While saying to goodbye to her sister one final time, Jacqui thanked Ms Nolan for making her life brighter, for the 'countless' memories and for always loving her. "So here's to the sisters, the ones who make life brighter, who know you best and who love you the most. Cheers to the laughter, the tears and the countless memories that were made. "You will be in my heart forever Martha,' concluded Jacqui as applause erupted around the cathedral with not a dry eye in sight. Investigations in the US are still continuing into Ms Nolan's sudden death. Authorities have said that a post mortem carried out by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office was inconclusive and they are awaiting further test results to decide the direction of their investigation. In the days following the discovery of Ms Nolan's body, detectives in the US said there was "no evidence of violence" in her death. However, the circumstances leading to her death remain a mystery with investigations by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office ongoing. It is understood that Ms Nolan's family have been informed that a final autopsy report, including toxicological, histological and other testing, will take at least three months to complete. A second opinion autopsy, requested by her family, was completed before Ms Nolan's remains were repatriated home to Ireland. During her time living in the US, Ms Nolan set up East x East, a luxury brand for sunglasses, swimwear and resort wear for men and women. She was also director of operations at investment firm K4 Capital and ran an Amazon fashion brand called Duper. Ms Nolan's family have engaged high-profile criminal defence attorney, Arthur Aidala, to push for answers in relation to the police investigation into her death.
RTÉ News
an hour ago
- RTÉ News
Irish fashion designer who died in US lived 'short' but 'packed life', funeral told
An Irish fashion designer who was found dead on a boat in New York lived "a short life, but a packed life", her funeral in Carlow was told. Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra, 33, was originally from Carlow but lived in Manhattan. Mourners gathered at The Cathedral of the Assumption this morning, "from so many parts to be here to support Martha's family", the priest told the congregation. Among the symbols brought forward to represent Ms Nolan-O'Slatarra's life was her passport, her brand East x East, a makeup bag and brushes, the Irish and US flags, and a tin whistle to symbolise her love of musical instruments. Also brought to the altar was St Martha's prayer, which her mother Elma recites every Tuesday. Ms Nolan-O'Slatarra was discovered unconscious on a vessel at Montauk Yacht Club in the early hours of 5 August. She was pronounced dead at the scene and the cause of her death is yet to be confirmed.
