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The Irish Sun
a day ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
Woman who died in horror Galway house fire named as former US death row survivor as tributes paid
A FLORIDA death row survivor and a man in his 30s have died after a blaze broke out in a home in Galway today. Sonia 'Sunny' Jacobs spent 17 years behind bars after she was wrongfully convicted of the murder of two police officers in the Advertisement 2 Sonia 'Sunny' Jacobs has died in a house fire in Galway Credit: GoFundMe 2 Sunny and Peter Pringle each served time behind bars Credit: Getty She was married to Peter Pringle who was also sentenced to death for killing two gardai during a bank robbery in The man who died in the blaze is believed to be a carer. Sunny and the man were the only people in the property at the time of the fire. Advertisement READ MORE IN NEWS Three units of the County Galway Fire Service along with crews from Galway city and An Cheathrú Rua tackled the Their bodies were taken to University Hospital Galway for post-mortem examinations. A garda spokesperson said: 'The results of the postmortems, along with the findings of the technical examination, will determine the course of the Garda investigation.' In 1976, Ms Jacobs was travelling in a car to North Carolina with her partner, Jesse Tafero, and two kids, then aged 9 years and 10 months, when they had some car trouble. Advertisement Most read in Irish News Walter Rhodes, known to Sunny, offered to help them. A fatal shooting incident kicked off, where a Florida Highway Patrol trooper and a Canadian police officer were killed. Brit facing death penalty in coke smuggling plot all smiles after court rant Rhodes got a life sentence in exchange for testifying against the pair. Sunny and her partner were put on death row. Advertisement In 1990, Mr Tafero was executed and Sunny was exonerated in 1992. In 1998, the New York native met her husband Pringle at an Amnesty International event calling for the death penalty to be abolished. The pair tied the knot in 2012 and set up the Sunny Healing Center which offered a space for healing and respite to dozens of individuals who have faced miscarriages of justice. PETER'S DEATH A group of Sunny's friends set up a fundraiser for her after Peter passed away in January 2023. Advertisement They said: 'Sunny is strong in spirit but she has several health challenges and struggles with mobility. 'Sunny lives in rural Connemara, Ireland, away from many of her friends and immediate family. 'Sunny continues to care for her animals while doing what she can to continue her campaign and healing work with Exonerees.' TRIBUTES Mourners remembered Sunny online as a 'hero' and 'champion for Justice'. Advertisement One mourner said: 'Sitting here numb and sad, Sunny Jacobs has gone to be with her Peter Pringle in the afterlife. "What a sad sad day. Until we meet again, One Love Sunny.' While another added: 'I am sad to share news of the passing of my dear friend, a true shero and a champion for Justice, Sunny Jacobs.' Gardai are appealing for witnesses of the fire to come forward. Advertisement A garda spokesperson said: 'Anyone with information is asked to contact Clifden Garda Station on 095 22500, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.'
The Irish Sun
a day 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:
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Heartbreak after two young Irish runners die at separate half marathons in Cork and Edinburgh as tributes pour in
TWO RUNNERS tragically passed away after collapsing during separate half marathons held in two different European cities. Ellen Cassidy, 24, and Olivia Tuohy, 24, sadly passed away after participating in the half marathon in the Ellen became ill at around 1pm after she had finished the half-marathon event in Cork City yesterday. She was tended to at the scene by paramedics before being transferred to Cork University Ellen was a champion 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. READ MORE IN NEWS "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. "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." Most read in Irish News 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. 'HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES' Honore Kamegni, Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, added: "My heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones." Elsewhere, Olivia Tuohy tragically passed away after taking part in the Edinburgh half marathon on Sunday, May 25. The Irish athlete was a student at Queen Margaret University on the outskirts of the capital. The news of her tragic passing has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community in Ennis, Co 'BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT' In a moving tribute paid by her heartbroken family, they said: "Olivia, a bright and beautiful spirit, passed away on 25 May 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." Tributes were also paid by the Clare Ladies 'VIBRANT SPIRIT' 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." A minute's silence was observed at all games in Clare yesterday. No 2 Ellen Cassidy tragically passed away after participating in the Cork City Marathon Credit: Dolphin Swimming Club 2 Olivia Tuohy passed away during the race in Edinburgh on May 25 Credit: Facebook
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
Weather expert pinpoints where ‘very windy' 105kph ‘gale' gusts to hit as Met Eireann issue Status Yellow rain warning
A STATUS Yellow rainfall warning will kick in for three counties from 2pm this afternoon Met Eireann have warned. Galway, Mayo and Kerry will all be under the 4 Very heavy rain is expected in parts Credit: Meteologix 4 Wind gusts will be very strong Credit: Meteologix The weather bosses have warned very strong winds will accompany the downpours in the three counties. Expected impacts are localised flooding, poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions. Before the downpours star this afternoon will be "dry with plenty of sunshine". READ MORE IN NEWS But Alan O'Reilly of Carlow Weather on X said: "A lovely Monday morning, make the most of it as wind and rain will push in from West in evening." And meteorologist Cathal Nolan, who runs Ireland's Weather Channel, on Facebook outlined exactly what we can expect from today's weather. He warned of "very strong winds in the west" from this afternoon. Most read in Irish News He continued: "Good sunny spells to start with but around 2pm maybe 3pm in parts of the west will see very heavy rain developing for a time. "That's in relation to a very active cold front that's pushing its way across the country." Brit hols hotspot Majorca beaches turned white with ice deluged by rain & hail leaving… and MORE bad weather on way And Cathal pinpointed exactly where the strongest of those winds are set to hit. He explained: "From western coasts right the way from Slea Head to loop head, up to Connemara and directly then up to Eris Head and along by Bloody Foreland as well." Malin Head will also be hit the weather expert revealed. He said: "Along these particular costal areas we will see wind speeds getting up to 100kph to 105kph in one or two isolated locations." Amid the horror Tonight will start wet as that weather warning dies down but rain will eventually clear in to the Irish sea. Some scattered showers will reappear later on tonight but wind speeds will decrease. Tonight will sit around 6C. 4 A weather alert kicks in at 2pm Credit: Met Eireann 4 The warning is due to be lifted tonight Credit: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- 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
