‘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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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"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."
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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.
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"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.
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Ellen Cassidy tragically passed away after a marathon in Cork City
Credit: RIP.ie
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