Latest news with #EuropeanYouthOlympics
Irish Examiner
5 days 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
03-06-2025
- 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
03-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Irish Olympic medallist adds to tributes for young woman who died after running Cork half-marathon
OLYMPIC medallist Mona McSharry has added to the tributes paid after the death of Ellen Cassidy following the Cork half-marathon. Ellen, 24, 4 Ellen Cassidy died after competing in the Cork City half-marathon on Sunday Credit: 4 McSharry has expressed her sympathy as the Irish swimming community mourns Ms Cassidy's death 4 The Olympic bronze medallist reposted University College Cork's heartfelt statement mourning Ellen's death Credit: @MONALMCSHARRY She was tended to at the scene by paramedics before being transferred to Cork University Ellen was a champion Such was her ability that she 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. Read More On Irish Sport Her college issued a heartfelt statement on her passing which Paris Games medallist McSharry has since reposted on her Instagram account. It read: "In loving memory of Ellen Cassidy. It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of Ellen's sudden passing of our dear friend, teammate and former captain, 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 treasure to her her time leading as co-captain, Ellen brought unmatched energy, dedication and care to everything she did. Most read in Other Sports "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. "Anyone who knew Ellen will remember the way she lit up a pool deck. Mona McSharry in tears after nabbing Ireland's first Paris Olympics medal with BRONZE in tightly-fought final "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. "As co-captain she brought us together, celebrated our wins big and small, and made sure that no one ever felt alone ever. "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." SEPARATE TRAGEDY Tragically, Olivia Tuohy was a student at Queen Margaret University on the outskirts of the Scottish capital. The news of her tragic passing has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community in Ennis, Co In a moving tribute paid by her heartbroken family, they said: "Olivia, a bright and beautiful spirit, passed away on May 25 while participating in the Edinburgh Half Marathon. "Olivia's bubbly personality and kind heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her. "Olivia is survived by her heartbroken parents, Kieran and Liz; her brother Stephen and his partner Laura; her loving partner Michael and his parents Maria-Elena and Steven; her aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbours, and her friends both in Ireland and Edinburgh." 4 Olivia Tuohy passed away after running in the Edinburgh Half Marathon on May 25 Credit: Tributes were also paid by the Clare ladies football team, stating how her "kindness, warmth and vibrant spirit" had a huge impact on their lives. They wrote: "We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Olivia Tuohy. "Her kindness, warmth, and vibrant spirit touched so many lives on and off the football field, and her 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." The Banner Ladies football club, for whom she also played, said: "We wish to express our sadness at the passing of our friend and former teammate, Olivia Tuohy, daughter of Liz and Kieran. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her parents, her brother Stephen, her partner Michael, and her family at this sad time. May her gentle soul rest in peace." On Sunday a minute's silence was observed at all GAA games in Clare in her memory.
RTÉ News
02-06-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
Tributes paid to woman who died after Cork City Marathon
Tributes have been paid to 24-year-old Ellen Cassidy who died in hospital yesterday after becoming unwell at the finish line of the Cork City Marathon. Ms Cassidy became ill at about 1pm yesterday after she had finished the half marathon 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 champion swimmer who joined Dolphin Swimming Club in Mayfield on the northside of Cork city when she was nine years old. In a post on Facebook the club said that 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. Our deepest condolences to all the Cassidy's family and friends." Ms Cassidy was very much loved at the club not only for her talent in the water but for her kind and giving nature. Seven years ago when she represented Ireland in Luxembourg the club said that they "couldn't be prouder" of her. They also described her as a "positive role model" for all their young swimmers. Ms Cassidy had competed on behalf of her club, Munster and Ireland. She had represented Ireland at the European Youth Olympics and the European Junior Championships. She had also been on a UCC Emerging Talent programme and represented Ireland at international schools level. Meanwhile, Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork and Green Party councillor Honore Kamegni posted on X that it was with "deep sadness" that he heard of the passing of Ms Cassidy. "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." In a statement, the marathon organisers said that they were deeply saddened to confirm that a participant in the marathon had passed away. "The person was attended to immediately by the emergency services on the scene. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased." A number of road closures were in place to facilitate the running of the marathon. Ambulance crews were in situ at the marathon. Volunteers from the Cork City Civil Defence and Cork West Cork Civil Defence were also on hand as were members of the Irish Red Cross. More than 11,000 runners took part the Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K events.
The Irish Sun
02-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
First picture of woman, 24 who died after collapsing at Cork City Marathon as tribute pour for ‘positive role model'
TRIBUTES have been paid to a 24-year-old after who died after collapsing at the finish line of the Cork City Marathon. Ellen Cassidy Advertisement Ellen became ill at about 1pm yesterday after she had finished the half marathon in She was tended to at the scene by paramedics before being transferred to She was pronounced dead a short time later. Ellen was a champion swimmer who joined Dophin Swimming Club in Mayfield on the northside of Cork city when she was nine years old. Advertisement READ MORE IN NEWS In a post on The club stated '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's family and friends.' Ellen was very much loved at the club not only for her talent in the water but for her kind and giving nature. Advertisement Most read in Irish News Latest Seven years ago when she represented Ireland in Luxembourg the club said that they 'couldn't be prouder' of her. They also described her as a 'positive role model' for all their young swimmers. 'DEEP SADNESS' Ellen had competed on behalf of her club, Munster and Ireland. She had represented Ireland at the European Youth Olympics and the European Junior Championships. Advertisement She had also been on a UCC Emerging Talent programme and represented Ireland at international schools level. Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork and He said '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.' Advertisement 'DEEPEST CONDOLENCES' In a statement the marathon organisers said that they were deeply saddened to confirm that a participant in the marathon had passed away. 'The person was attended to immediately by the emergency services on the scene. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.' A number of road closures were in place to facilitate the running of the marathon. Ambulance crews were in situ at the marathon. Advertisement Volunteers from the Cork City Civil Defence and Cork West Cork Civil Defence were also on hand as were members of the Irish Red Cross. More than 11,000 runners took part the Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K events. 1 Tragic Ellen fell ill after the event yesterday Credit: Dolphin Swimming Club
