Tributes paid to ‘hugely talented' athlete (22) after tragic cancer battle
Tributes have been paid to a young Co Fermanagh athlete who has been laid to rest after succumbing to a long illness.
Oisín Cassidy, from Derrylin, was a successful runner who picked up both local and national accolades leading him to represent Northern Ireland on the international stage.
The 22-year-old died peacefully on Monday while surrounded by loved ones following a battle with cancer and is survived by mum, Veronica, uncles, Gerald and Cleo, and grandfather Emmett.
A funeral notice carried a tribute from his 'heartbroken' family.
"Deeply regretted by his sorrowing mother, aunt, uncle, grandad, cousins and extended family circle,' it said.
Oisín's running coach Francis Shaw has reflected on the 'courage and determination' the young man showed despite the devastating diagnosis.
'Oisin will be remembered by the many people who had the good fortune to teach, coach or train and compete alongside him, as not only a hugely talented and committed student athlete, but also as a gentle, caring, compassionate and thoughtful young man who improved the lives of all of us,' he said.
Oisín kickstarted his athletics career at St Ninidh's Primary before continuing the sport at St Michael's College and was a member of Enniskillen Running Club and CNDR Track Club in Belfast.
A charity event 'Around the Rock for Oisin' organised by Derrylin Rock Runners raised over £45k for several causes of his choice including a new cancer support centre in Enniskillen.
In a tribute online, the club said: 'Throughout his illness, Oisín showed remarkable strength, dignity, and kindness. Even during his toughest days he thought of others allowing us to host the 5/10K Around the Rock event in his honor, raising an incredible amount for his chosen cancer charities.
'But most of all we will remember Oisín as a kind inspirational young man who was highly respected in our community and we extend our deepest sympathy to his Mum Veronica and all of the Cassidy family.'
Belfast running club Annadale Striders said: 'Oisin was a winner of the Andrew Campbell Cup while competing for St Michael's, Enniskillen and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him through athletics. Our condolences to his Mum Veronica and the family circle.'
Derrylin O'Connells GAA club expressed shock at the 'tragic passing' of one of their former youth team members.
Oisín had made a return at senior level for the side but was forced to step away following his diagnosis.
'Our club is in shock and mourning at the tragic passing of Oisin Cassidy. Oisin proudly represented our club at underage levels and was part of our Under 12 Division 1 league winning team in 2015.
'Oisin was a talented and gifted athlete used his athletic prowess to occupy the midfield and wing half back positions in our teams. Oisin would cover every blade of grass when he was on field, with surging runs his trademark.
'Our deepest condolences go out to Oisin's mother Veronica, the whole Cassidy family and Oisin's friends and teammates.
'As a mark of respect all club activities will be postponed until after Oisin is laid to rest.'
A Requiem Mass took place in St Ninnidh's Church in Derrylin on Wednesday before Oisin was buried in the adjoining cemetery.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sunday World
4 days ago
- Sunday World
Tributes paid to ‘hugely talented' athlete (22) after tragic cancer battle
Oisín Cassidy, from Derrylin,died peacefully on Monday while surrounded by loved ones Tributes have been paid to a young Co Fermanagh athlete who has been laid to rest after succumbing to a long illness. Oisín Cassidy, from Derrylin, was a successful runner who picked up both local and national accolades leading him to represent Northern Ireland on the international stage. The 22-year-old died peacefully on Monday while surrounded by loved ones following a battle with cancer and is survived by mum, Veronica, uncles, Gerald and Cleo, and grandfather Emmett. A funeral notice carried a tribute from his 'heartbroken' family. "Deeply regretted by his sorrowing mother, aunt, uncle, grandad, cousins and extended family circle,' it said. Oisín's running coach Francis Shaw has reflected on the 'courage and determination' the young man showed despite the devastating diagnosis. 'Oisin will be remembered by the many people who had the good fortune to teach, coach or train and compete alongside him, as not only a hugely talented and committed student athlete, but also as a gentle, caring, compassionate and thoughtful young man who improved the lives of all of us,' he said. Oisín kickstarted his athletics career at St Ninidh's Primary before continuing the sport at St Michael's College and was a member of Enniskillen Running Club and CNDR Track Club in Belfast. A charity event 'Around the Rock for Oisin' organised by Derrylin Rock Runners raised over £45k for several causes of his choice including a new cancer support centre in Enniskillen. In a tribute online, the club said: 'Throughout his illness, Oisín showed remarkable strength, dignity, and kindness. Even during his toughest days he thought of others allowing us to host the 5/10K Around the Rock event in his honor, raising an incredible amount for his chosen cancer charities. 'But most of all we will remember Oisín as a kind inspirational young man who was highly respected in our community and we extend our deepest sympathy to his Mum Veronica and all of the Cassidy family.' Belfast running club Annadale Striders said: 'Oisin was a winner of the Andrew Campbell Cup while competing for St Michael's, Enniskillen and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him through athletics. Our condolences to his Mum Veronica and the family circle.' Derrylin O'Connells GAA club expressed shock at the 'tragic passing' of one of their former youth team members. Oisín had made a return at senior level for the side but was forced to step away following his diagnosis. 'Our club is in shock and mourning at the tragic passing of Oisin Cassidy. Oisin proudly represented our club at underage levels and was part of our Under 12 Division 1 league winning team in 2015. 'Oisin was a talented and gifted athlete used his athletic prowess to occupy the midfield and wing half back positions in our teams. Oisin would cover every blade of grass when he was on field, with surging runs his trademark. 'Our deepest condolences go out to Oisin's mother Veronica, the whole Cassidy family and Oisin's friends and teammates. 'As a mark of respect all club activities will be postponed until after Oisin is laid to rest.' A Requiem Mass took place in St Ninnidh's Church in Derrylin on Wednesday before Oisin was buried in the adjoining cemetery.
Irish Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Shock and sadness following tragic death of 'talented and gifted athlete'
Tributes have been paid to an "exceptionally talented runner" and "inspirational young man" from Co Fermanagh who passed away earlier this week after a lengthy battle with cancer. Oisín Cassidy, from Derrylin, was a distinguished runner and athlete who represented Athletics Northern Ireland in international competitions, while he also lead his former school, St Michael's College, to major success on the provincial and national front. The 22-year-old was diagnosed with cancer last year and had been undergoing treatment to fight the disease. In March, Oisin's local running club, Derrylin Rock Runners, held a charity Fun Run which raised over £45,000 (€52,150) to support causes which helped the athlete while he was receiving treatment. Tragically, Oisin's family confirmed that the gifted runner passed away peacefully on Monday after succumbing to his illness. He is survived by his mother Veronica, uncle Gerald, aunt Cleo (Baxter) and his grandfather Emmett. He is predeceased by his grandmother Vera. Hundreds of people took part in a fun run in March to raise money for a cancer charity which helped Oisin during his illness battle Tributes have poured in for the talented athlete, with Derrylin Rock Runners hailing Oisin as "a kind inspirational young man who was highly respected in our community". "We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend, Oisín Cassidy this morning," they wrote in a post shared on social media. "Oisín was an exceptionally talented runner, both locally and nationally, representing Athletics NI in international competitions. He was also a proud multiple time winner of our very own 5K race. "Throughout his illness, Oisín showed remarkable strength, dignity, and kindness. Even during his toughest days he thought of others allowing us to host the 5/10K Around the Rock event in his honor, raising an incredible amount for his chosen cancer charities. "But most of all we will remember Oisín as a kind inspirational young man who was highly respected in our community and we extend our deepest sympathy to his Mum Veronica and all of the Cassidy family. "Rest easy Oisín." The young athlete was also a gifted GAA player who lined out for his local side Derrylin O'Connells, who paid an emotional tribute to the popular and well-liked young man. "Our club is in shock and mourning at the tragic passing of Oisin Cassidy. Oisin proudly represented our club at under age levels and was part of our Under 12 Division 1 league winning team in 2015," the club said. "Oisin a talented and gifted athlete used his athletic prowess to occupy the midfield and wing half back positions in our teams. Oisin would cover every blade of grass when he was on field, with surging runs his trademark. Oisin sadly passed away on Monday "Oisin had made a return to play with our senior team, unfortunately his diagnosis prevented him from playing with his friends. He did however fulfil a vital role for our senior team last year by being our 'Stats man' a role he fulfilled with due diligence. "Our deepest condolences go out to Oisin's mother Veronica, the whole Cassidy family and Oisins friends and teammates. "Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis." As a mark of respect to the young athlete, Derrylin O'Connells postponed all club activities until after Oisin was laid to rest on Wednesday morning. Oisin made an incredible impact on his local community and his friends, neighbours and acquaintances have been left devastated by his passing, with many paying tribute to the "amazing young man". One mourner said:" So sorry for your loss Veronica, Gerald, Cleo, Grandad Emmett, cousins and extended family of Oisin. Taken away far too soon after an illness he bore with courage and dignity, he was an amazing young man. May the angels now circle him and look down on you Veronica." Anther person added: "Veronica, words cannot express my deep sadness on Oisín death at such a young age. He was a fine young man and inspirational during his illness. I know how proud you were of all his achievements and the close bond you both shared. Sincere sympathy to your sister Cleo and family and to your dad Emmett and all his extended family and friends. Thinking of you all at this difficult time." While a third person said: "So sorry to learn that Oisin has passed. Met him through the sport of athletics and found him to be an amiable and humble young man as well as a fine cross country runner. He'll be much missed by team mates past and present and by the wider athletics family. Condolences to his mum Veronica and the family circle." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Tragic Irish athlete, 22, mourned after untimely death as club vow ‘you will always be remembered'
AWFUL TIME Tragic Irish athlete, 22, mourned after untimely death as club vow 'you will always be remembered' TRIBUTES have poured in for Irish athlete Oisin Cassidy since the 22-year-old's tragic death from cancer on Monday. Oisin has been remembered as a "talented and humble" young man who was well-known for his passion for running in his home county of Fermanagh. 2 Oisin Cassidy was a popular figure across the whole community of Derrylin Credit: Mark Kirk Running Facebook Group 2 He was a dedicated runner as well as Gaelic footballer Credit: His post describes how he died "peacefully, after a long illness surrounded by his heartbroken family". It adds: "Deeply regretted by his sorrowing mother, aunt, uncle, granddad, cousins and extended family circle." His funeral is to take place today, August 13 at St Ninnidh's Church in his hometown of Derrylin. Among the tributes paid to him since Monday's awful news broke, the Mark Kirk Running Group hailed him for being a "valuable member" of their training group. Their Facebook post read: "We have just heard today the very sad news of the death of Oisin Cassidy who was a valued member of the training group and one of the founder members of Candour Track Club. "'Cass' a master of fantasy football league will missed by all his teammates and running friends. Sincerest condolences to all his family circle." Furthermore, Rock Runners - who are a community-based run club in Derrylin - added a heartfelt tribute of their own. They reflected: "We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend, Oisin Cassidy this morning. "Oisin was an exceptionally talented runner, both locally and nationally, representing Athletics NI in international competitions. He was also a proud multiple time winner of our very own 5K race. "Throughout his illness, Oisin showed remarkable strength, dignity, and kindness. Inside Sharlene Mawdsley's 'delicious' yet atypical Tenerife holiday with GAA star boyfriend Mikey Breen "Even during his toughest days he thought of others allowing us to host the 5/10K Around the Rock event in his honour, raising an incredible amount for his chosen cancer charities. "But most of all we will remember Oisin as a kind inspirational young man who was highly respected in our community and we extend our deepest sympathy to his mum Veronica and all of the Cassidy family. Rest easy Oisin." Another local running club, OMG AC, wrote: "It is with much sadness that we learned today of the passing of Oisin Cassidy. Oisin was such a talented but humble young man. "He bore his illness with courage and not a complaint. We send all our love to Oisín's mum, Veronica Cassidy, and all his wider family circle and his friends. Oisin and all of you will always be remembered by OMG AC." GAA CLUB'S MEMORIES Throughout his childhood and adolescence he'd also represented the local GAA club who similarly paid their respects as the entire community came to terms with his life being cut short. Derrylin O'Connells hailed: "Our club is in shock and mourning at the tragic passing of Oisin Cassidy. "Oisin proudly represented our club at under age levels and was part of our Under 12 Division 1 league winning team in 2015. "Oisin a talented, humble and gifted athlete used his athletic prowess to occupy the midfield and wing half back positions in our teams. "Oisin would cover every blade of grass when he was on field, with surging runs his trademark. "Oisin had made a return to play with our senior team, unfortunately his diagnosis prevented him from playing with his friends. "He did however fulfil a vital role for our senior team last year by being our 'Stats man' a role he fulfilled with due diligence. "Our deepest condolences go out to Oisin's mother Veronica, the whole Cassidy family and Oisin's friends and teammates. "As a mark of respect all club activities will be postponed until after Oisin is laid to rest."
