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Irish Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Dad leads funeral tributes to woman who died after marathon collapse
Cork woman Ellen Cassidy has been remembered as a talented athlete and "truly special" young woman at her funeral Mass this afternoon. The 24-year-old, who died during the Cork City Marathon, was laid to rest today. Hundreds of mourners turned out to pay their final respects at her requiem mass at The Church of the Annunciation in Blackpool, followed by cremation at the Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy. Many attended the funeral in their brightest, colourful clothes to pay tribute to Ellen. Flowers were laid on the coffin as it exited the church. In a touching tribute to his daughter, Tom Cassidy described Ellen as someone who had "many plates spinning at a time", highlighting her unwavering dedication to her studies, sports clubs and music - all while managing to make time for a wide circle of friends. "How she managed to give them all the time, attention, energy, love, and affection is beyond me," her father said, "But Ellen didn't lead with elbows, she led with open arms, that made her stand-out." He praised his daughter for making "everyone that came in contact with her feel special." The family thanked everyone who helped when Ellen on Sunday. Tom thanked first responders, paramedics, doctors and nurses "who did everything they possibly could to save Ellen" after she fell ill while running the half-marathon in Cork city. "Although the outcome was heartbreaking, their dedication brought comfort knowing she was in the hands of those who gave it their all on the day." On behalf of Ellen's heartbroken family, he also thanked all those who have come together to support them through such a difficult time, whose "love and support have helped us so much in a way that words cannot fully express." Ellen was a keen sportswoman, serving as club captain for a time at Cork's Dolphin Swimming Club. The club has since paid tributes to Ellen, describing her as a woman of great strength, grace and passion. Whether at the Cork School of Music or during her competitions, Tom said Ellen was always quick to make new friends. He described how Ellen's friend group grew steadily throughout her school years and only grew further as she began to attend university and compete in national sporting and music events. Mourners heard how Ellen's mother found her diary shortly after her passing, and the family read out small excerpts during the requiem mass. The loving young woman wrote in her journal how she was "so lucky" to have her family and that "I just want Mum, Dad, Charlie, Mary and myself to be happy." The funeral was accompanied by a guard of honour organised by Cork's running community. A large group of runners and swimmers dressed in their club colours lined the streets outside the church in tribute to Ellen. The popular young woman served as a swimming and water polo club captain at University College Cork before graduating last year. She was also a former student at St. Angela's College, Cork. She participated in the Mardyke Arena UCC's Emerging Talent Programme in 2018, competing in swimming at a national level. Tributes have poured in from across Cork as she was remembered as a truly special young woman, with a heart of gold.
Irish Post
03-06-2025
- General
- Irish Post
Mourners asked to ‘wear bright colours' to funeral of woman who died during Cork marathon
THE family of a young woman who died while running the Cork City Marathon have asked mourners attending her funeral to 'wear bright colours'. 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
Belfast Telegraph
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Tributes paid to woman who died following Cork marathon
Ellen Cassidy, 24, a talented swimmer, fell ill at the event on Sunday, which included a full marathon, half marathon and 10k race. She was taken to hospital but later died. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. In a statement, Cork City Council expressed deep sadness over her passing. Lord Mayor of Cork, Dan Boyle has offered his sincere condolences to Ellen's family and friends. 'We extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and all who knew Ellen,' he said. 'Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.' Dolphin Swimming Club expressed deepest condolences to Ms Cassidy's family. 'Ellen swam through life with grace, strength and passion. Your smile and your drive will never be forgotten,' they said. 'Our deepest condolences to all the Cassidy family and friends.' Swim Munster said Ms Cassidy had competed for Ireland as well as the University of Cork. 'Swim Munster is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Ellen Cassidy yesterday,' they said. 'Ellen swan with Dolphin Swimming Club, University of Cork Swimming Club, Munster Regional Squad and represented Ireland at European Junior Championships. '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 organisation of the Inter Varsities Swimming Championship in Cork in 2024. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with her mother Violet, father Tom, sister Mary and brother Charlie, her family, friends, and all who knew her during this difficult time.'
Sunday World
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Sunday World
Funeral details announced for Ellen Cassidy (24) who died running Cork half marathon
'Your smile and drive will never be forgotten' – writes Ms Cassidy's swim club in tribute The funeral details for Ellen Cassidy, of Carhoo, Mallow Road in Cork, who died while running the Cork half marathon on Sunday have been announced. Ms Cassidy's family have requested that all ladies wear their most colourful outfit for the funeral. 'Bring a flower also if your heart desires,' said the death notice. She will repose at her home on Wednesday from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. Her requiem mass will take place on Thursday in the Church of the Annunciation, Blackpool at 11am, and will be followed by her burial at St Catherine's Cemetery, in Kilcully. Emergency service workers fought to save the life of the 24-year-old who collapsed 'seconds from the finish line' on St Patrick's Street on Sunday. Ms Cassidy was taken to Cork University Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The young woman was a graduate of University College Cork. She was also a former student of St Angela's College on Patrick's Hill in the city. Ms Cassidy was a keen swimmer who participated in numerous competitions over the years both in Ireland and overseas. She joined Dolphin Swimming Club in Mayfield on the northside of Cork city at the age of nine. She competed with distinction on behalf of 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. Tributes were paid to the young woman by the Dolphin Swimming Club, where she served as club captain from 2017 to 2019. 'Ellen swam through life with grace, strength, and passion. Your smile, and your drive will never be forgotten,' the club said in a statement. 'Our deepest condolences to all the Cassidy's family and friends.' When Ms Cassidy represented Ireland at a swimming meet in Luxembourg in January 2018, the club described her as 'such a positive role model for all our younger swimmers'. Tributes were also paid by others in the Irish swimming community, including from Sundays Well Swimming Club based in Douglas, Cork. 'Our swimming community is deeply saddened by Ellen's passing. Her spirit, dedication and friendship touched us all,' the club wrote in a statement on social media. 'We send our heartfelt condolences to everyone at Dolphin Swimming Club from all at Sundays Well Swimming Club.' Pictured: Ellen Cassidy 'swam through life with grace, strength, and passion', tributes read The Fermoy Swimming Club said it is 'deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ellen Cassidy' and expressed condolences to her family, friends and all who knew her. 'Ellen always had a smile for everyone she met and was an inspiration to all, both inside and outside the swimming community. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.' Ms Cassidy competed in swimming for Munster as well as Ireland, with Swim Munster describing her in a tribute as an 'inspiration to everyone she met'. 'Swim Munster is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Ellen Cassidy yesterday,' a statement read. 'Ellen swan with Dolphin Swimming Club, University of Cork Swimming Club, Munster Regional Squad and represented Ireland at European Junior Championships. '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 organisation of the Inter Varsities Swimming Championship in Cork in 2024. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with her mother Violet, father Tom, sister Mary and brother Charlie, her family, friends, and all who knew her, during this difficult time.' Shock Christine O'Donoghue, from Blarney, Co Cork, was waiting for her own daughter Shannon (26) to finish the half marathon, when she realised an emergency was taking place on Sunday. 'The finish line is near Penneys,' Ms O'Donoghue said. 'My daughter's friend was tracking her on an app and we knew she was near the finish. But the next thing all we could hear was one of the medical team shouting 'AED, AED [Automated External Defibrillator].' They needed a defibrillator. 'The medical team dealt with it amazingly. I could see them all running but not in a panicked way. And the ambulance came within less than five minutes. 'A steward guided the runners to the other side of the road. We were in shock. My daughter then finished the race 10 minutes later. I started bawling when I saw her coming. 'But then I thought [of the person] who was probably standing, waiting for that girl to reach the finish line.' Ms O'Donoghue said it was heartbreaking that an event where 'such humanity' had been on show, with runners and the crowd supporting each other, that a tragedy would then unfold. Cork city Green Party councillor Oliver Moran, a participant in the half marathon, said: 'It's tragic news to hear after an event that was so heartwarming in other respects. The day was beautiful and the residents and volunteers who came out to support the participants were wonderful. 'Hearing the news emerge after the race finish, when we should all be cheering together, was so saddening. I'm sure the thoughts of everyone who took part alongside the woman are with her friends and family now. 'Just yesterday, I attended a launch of new equipment for the St John's Ambulance with two councillor colleagues, who were also running in the marathon. It was a reminder then about the role those services play in an event like this and I understand the young woman was treated at the finish line by emergency services.' Ellen Cassidy News in 90 seconds - June 2nd In a statement issued on Monday morning, Cork City Council said: 'Cork City Council is deeply saddened at the passing of Ellen Cassidy, a participant of yesterday's Cork City Marathon.' The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Dan Boyle offered his 'sincere condolences' to Ms Cassidy's family and friends. 'We extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and all who knew Ellen. Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time,' he said. Over 11,000 runners participated in the full Cork City Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K events. **This article was amended on June 2, 2025 to correct the address of Ellen Cassidy.
Irish Independent
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Funeral details announced for Ellen Cassidy (24) who died running Cork City Marathon event
Ms Cassidy's family have requested that all ladies wear their most colourful outfit for the funeral. 'Bring a flower also if your heart desires,' said the death notice. She will repose at her home on Wednesday from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. Her requiem mass will take place on Thursday in the Church of the Annunciation, Blackpool at 11am, and will be followed by her burial at St Catherine's Cemetery, in Kilcully. Emergency service workers fought to save the life of the 24-year-old who collapsed 'seconds from the finish line' on St Patrick's Street on Sunday. Ms Cassidy was taken to Cork University Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The young woman was a graduate of University College Cork. She was also a former student of St Angela's College on Patrick's Hill in the city. Ms Cassidy was a keen swimmer who participated in numerous competitions over the years both in Ireland and overseas. She joined Dolphin Swimming Club in Mayfield on the northside of Cork city at the age of nine. She competed with distinction on behalf of 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. Tributes were paid to the young woman by the Dolphin Swimming Club, where she served as club captain from 2017 to 2019. 'Ellen swam through life with grace, strength, and passion. Your smile, and your drive will never be forgotten,' the club said in a statement. 'Our deepest condolences to all the Cassidy's family and friends.' ADVERTISEMENT When Ms Cassidy represented Ireland at a swimming meet in Luxembourg in January 2018, the club described her as 'such a positive role model for all our younger swimmers'. Tributes were also paid by others in the Irish swimming community, including from Sundays Well Swimming Club based in Douglas, Cork. 'Our swimming community is deeply saddened by Ellen's passing. Her spirit, dedication and friendship touched us all,' the club wrote in a statement on social media. 'We send our heartfelt condolences to everyone at Dolphin Swimming Club from all at Sundays Well Swimming Club.' The Fermoy Swimming Club said it is 'deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ellen Cassidy' and expressed condolences to her family, friends and all who knew her. 'Ellen always had a smile for everyone she met and was an inspiration to all, both inside and outside the swimming community. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.' Ms Cassidy competed in swimming for Munster as well as Ireland, with Swim Munster describing her in a tribute as an 'inspiration to everyone she met'. 'Swim Munster is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Ellen Cassidy yesterday,' a statement read. 'Ellen swan with Dolphin Swimming Club, University of Cork Swimming Club, Munster Regional Squad and represented Ireland at European Junior Championships. '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 organisation of the Inter Varsities Swimming Championship in Cork in 2024. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with her mother Violet, father Tom, sister Mary and brother Charlie, her family, friends, and all who knew her, during this difficult time.' Shock Christine O'Donoghue, from Blarney, Co Cork, was waiting for her own daughter Shannon (26) to finish the half marathon, when she realised an emergency was taking place on Sunday. 'The finish line is near Penneys,' Ms O'Donoghue said. 'My daughter's friend was tracking her on an app and we knew she was near the finish. But the next thing all we could hear was one of the medical team shouting 'AED, AED [Automated External Defibrillator].' They needed a defibrillator. 'The medical team dealt with it amazingly. I could see them all running but not in a panicked way. And the ambulance came within less than five minutes. 'A steward guided the runners to the other side of the road. We were in shock. My daughter then finished the race 10 minutes later. I started bawling when I saw her coming. 'But then I thought [of the person] who was probably standing, waiting for that girl to reach the finish line.' Ms O'Donoghue said it was heartbreaking that an event where 'such humanity' had been on show, with runners and the crowd supporting each other, that a tragedy would then unfold. Cork city Green Party councillor Oliver Moran, a participant in the half marathon, said: 'It's tragic news to hear after an event that was so heartwarming in other respects. The day was beautiful and the residents and volunteers who came out to support the participants were wonderful. 'Hearing the news emerge after the race finish, when we should all be cheering together, was so saddening. I'm sure the thoughts of everyone who took part alongside the woman are with her friends and family now. 'Just yesterday, I attended a launch of new equipment for the St John's Ambulance with two councillor colleagues, who were also running in the marathon. It was a reminder then about the role those services play in an event like this and I understand the young woman was treated at the finish line by emergency services.' In a statement issued on Monday morning, Cork City Council said: 'Cork City Council is deeply saddened at the passing of Ellen Cassidy, a participant of yesterday's Cork City Marathon.' The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Dan Boyle offered his 'sincere condolences' to Ms Cassidy's family and friends. 'We extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and all who knew Ellen. Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time,' he said. Over 11,000 runners participated in the full Cork City Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K events.
