Latest news with #EllenCassidy
BreakingNews.ie
2 hours ago
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
Woman who died at Cork Marathon made people feel special, funeral mass hears
A young woman who died not long after she reached the finish line at the Cork City Marathon last weekend had a gift for friendship and was generous with her 'attention, energy, love and affection,' her requiem mass has heard. Ellen Cassidy (24) of Carhoo, Old Mallow Road in Co Cork, became ill just after she completed the half marathon last Sunday at about 1pm. Advertisement She died shortly afterwards in Cork University Hospital. Ellen worked in cybersecurity for PVC, having achieved a first-class honours degree in Business Information systems from UCC. Her father, Tom Cassidy, told mourners at the Church of the Annunciation in Blackpool in Cork city this afternoon that Ellen acquired pockets of friends wherever she went. Mr Cassidy said that the wake for Ellen in their family home had lasted nine hours with friends pouring in in large numbers to share their precious memories. He stressed that Ellen 'didn't lead with elbows she led with open arms.' Advertisement 'That made her stand out. That made her special. That made everyone that came in contact with her feel special. The result of this approach to life is what we had last night with a nine hour wake. A full church today both inside and outside. Honestly we never expected what we have seen over the last 48 hours. But it is the result of (Ellen) putting others first.' Mr Cassidy said that he and his wife Vi had found their daughter's diary in the days after her death. He said Ellen's diary entry on her 20th birthday summed up her approach to life. Advertisement 'The entry for March 11 2021, her 20th birthday, reads: 'I am not a child out of your comfort zone. Don't follow the crowd. You never know the person you could be if you don't step up. You will never know what life will throw at you but you must embrace it. Make choices and decisions - but don't look back. Follow your gut. Small things make a huge difference." "I am so lucky to have them (my family) - we are lucky to have each other." Mr Cassidy said that the day before Ellen took part in the Cork City Marathon she sent her mother Vi 'the most beautiful message.' It read: 'I would choose my Mum to be my Mum in every lifetime again and again and again'." Advertisement Mr Cassidy she that Ellen 'always had a number of plates spinning at any one time.' 'Swimming, for example, swimming 16 hours per week, music (was) four hours per week, attendance and practice, piano was seven hours a week, attendance and practice, school, her university attendance, exams that go with both and, of course, her friends." Mr Cassidy said his daughter achieved so much in the fields of music, sport, academia and in her personal life. Particularly cherished family memories include the sight of Ellen eating pasta with ketchup or the time she managed to get a H2 in Leaving Certificate Accounting having scored just nine percent in the subject in a fifth year exam. Mr Cassidy asked friends of his daughter to continue to call to the family home as the family embark on the long and painful road to 'some sort of normality.' Advertisement He also thanked all those who had assisted Ellen when she became ill as well as family, friends, neighbours and the wider community for their support over the last few days. Meanwhile, Canon John O'Donovan noted that Ellen had written in her diary that she wanted her family to be happy. He said with her all her achievements in life her greatest legacy was the love she had for her family and friends. Offertory gifts included a medal Ellen received when she completed the Milan marathon, swimming hats, sheets of music and her music book, a sea shell representing her favourite place which was Alvor in Portugal, and a heart symbolising friendship. Ireland Convicted rapist who harassed three female journal... Read More Ellen was an accomplished swimmer who represented Dolphin Swimming Club, UCC, Munster and Ireland. She was also a pianist who studied at the Cork School of Music. Ellen is survived by her parents Vi and Tom, her siblings Mary and Charlie, her boyfriend Rob, her grandparents Joan, Billy and Tom, her extended family and her 'many many best friends.' The song 'We have got the world tonight' by Mickey Joe Harte was sung by a soloist as the coffin was brought from the church to the Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork. A guard of honour was formed by members of Dolphin Swimming Club. Large numbers of runners from clubs throughout Cork also participated in the tribute to Ms Cassidy. Friends, many of whom wore bright colours, also walked behind the coffin.
Irish Examiner
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Woman who died after Cork City Marathon made people feel special, father tells mourners
The young woman who died after running the Cork City Marathon at the weekend didn't lead with her elbows, but with open arms, her heartbroken father said. 'That made her stand out, that made her special and made everyone that came into contact with her feel special,' Ellen Cassidy's father, Tom, told mourners at her 'goodbye mass' in Blackpool on Thursday. 'The result of this approach to life was what we had last night - a nine-hour wake, a full church today. Honestly, we never expected what we have seen and experienced over the last 48 hours, but it's the result of putting others first.' An elite swimmer, Ellen, 24, from the Old Mallow Road, Cork, fell ill close to the half marathon finish line on St Patrick's Street on Sunday. She got immediate medical attention but was pronounced dead at Cork University Hospital later. As requested by her family, people came to her funeral mass in The Church of the Annunciation, Blackpool, on Thursday wearing colourful outfits, many clutching freshly cut sunflowers, roses, and carnations, to celebrate her life and say goodbye. Mourners were led by her devastated parents, Violet and Tom, her sister, Mary, her brother, Charlie, her boyfriend, Rob, her grandparents, Joan, Billy and Tom, her extended family and a wide circle of friends. Among the gifts brought to the altar symbolising her passions in life were her Milan marathon medal, her Irish swim caps, sheets of piano music, a seashell representing her love of Alvor, the sea, and travel, and a heart symbol representing her love for her friends. Ellen Cassidy had a love for music, piano, and especially swimming. In a moving eulogy, Mr Cassidy told mourners about her journey from Rathpeacon NS, through St Angela's College, Bruce College, UCD and then the switch to UCC during covid to study business information systems, and of her love for music, piano, but especially swimming. Ellen joined Dolphin Swimming Club in Mayfield aged nine, breaking several club records in her time there, and represented Ireland at the European Youth Olympics in 2015. She was part of the Mardyke Arena UCC's Emerging Talent Programme in 2018, and debuted that year at the European Junior Championships in the 200m backstroke in Helsinki. She was joint chairperson of the UCC Swimming Club and the organisation of the Inter Varsities Swimming Championship in Cork in 2024. She began working with PwC in cybersecurity last September. Mr Cassidy revealed how his wife found their daughter's diary on Tuesday in a place they would never think to look. 'It was as if she wanted us to find it after she passed away,' he said, before reading the entry from March 11, 2021 – Ellen's 20th birthday. The guard of honour by local running and swimming clubs after the funeral mass for Ellen Cassidy today. Picture: Larry Cummins 'Ramen, honestly, what more would you want? Chicken wings to die for, they will be gotten again, most definitely, whereas the Prosecco on the other hand, easy to drink, but by God I felt ill this morning," she wrote. 'Not ideal with my assignment due next week, which of course I still haven't started. I need to actually realise I am now 20. F**k, 20-years old now. No-one is going to do things for me anymore. 'I need to focus on myself, my body, my mind, my mental health, my physical health. It all needs to be looked after by me now. I'm not a child anymore. I have to stop acting as it everyone else is going to do it for me. They're not. 'Ellen it's all you, step up, be brave. If you fail, you fail. But step out of your comfort zone. Don't follow the crowd. I know it's easier said than done, but you will never know the person you could be if you don't try and step up. 'In the next 10 years, you'll be finished college. Working, maybe. In a relationship? Travelling? Swimming? Buying a house? Driving a car? You will never know what life will throw at you but you must embrace it. 'Make choices, make decisions, and don't look back. Follow your gut. Otherwise you will never learn. You won't grow into the person you were meant to be. Small things make a huge difference. All I want is for everything to be perfect. My family. That is what I want. 'But can it be? We need to try harder. No-one will love, accept or support you more than your mother, father, brother and sister. 'I am lucky. I am so lucky to have them. We are lucky to have each other. We need to realise that. I just want mum, dad, Charlie, Mary, and myself to be happy.' A mourner holding flowers in the guard of honour for Ellen Cassidy by local running and swimming clubs. Picture: Larry Cummins Mr Cassidy recalled too how on the day before she died, Ellen sent her mother a message saying she would choose her to be her mum in every lifetime, again and again and again, before he pleaded directly to Ellen's friends to call to their home in the difficult months ahead. 'We don't want this to be the end of the road with the friendships Ellen has forged, but rather it be the continuation,' she said. 'Please call in, have a coffee, share your amazing stories, the fun you had with Ellen, to help us through what we know will be a long road to some sort of normality in our lives.' After Bishop Emeritus John Buckley said final prayers, Ellen's family and friends placed flowers atop her wicker coffin, placed their hands on it gently, and then walked it from the church through a guard of honour outside formed by her long-term swimming club mates. As the hearse moved away, it passed a long guard of honour formed by dozens of runners from clubs across the city, all wearing their club colours, to the Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy for a private ceremony.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- General
- 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
2 days ago
- General
- 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
2 days ago
- General
- 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.
