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Tragic Irish athlete, 22, mourned after untimely death as club vow ‘you will always be remembered'
AWFUL TIME Tragic Irish athlete, 22, mourned after untimely death as club vow 'you will always be remembered'
TRIBUTES have poured in for Irish athlete Oisin Cassidy since the 22-year-old's tragic death from cancer on Monday.
Oisin has been remembered as a "talented and humble" young man who was well-known for his passion for running in his home county of Fermanagh.
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Oisin Cassidy was a popular figure across the whole community of Derrylin
Credit: Mark Kirk Running Facebook Group
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He was a dedicated runner as well as Gaelic footballer
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His post describes how he died "peacefully, after a long illness surrounded by his heartbroken family".
It adds: "Deeply regretted by his sorrowing mother, aunt, uncle, granddad, cousins and extended family circle."
His funeral is to take place today, August 13 at St Ninnidh's Church in his hometown of Derrylin.
Among the tributes paid to him since Monday's awful news broke, the Mark Kirk Running Group hailed him for being a "valuable member" of their training group.
Their Facebook post read: "We have just heard today the very sad news of the death of Oisin Cassidy who was a valued member of the training group and one of the founder members of Candour Track Club.
"'Cass' a master of fantasy football league will missed by all his teammates and running friends. Sincerest condolences to all his family circle."
Furthermore, Rock Runners - who are a community-based run club in Derrylin - added a heartfelt tribute of their own.
They reflected: "We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend, Oisin Cassidy this morning.
"Oisin was an exceptionally talented runner, both locally and nationally, representing Athletics NI in international competitions. He was also a proud multiple time winner of our very own 5K race.
"Throughout his illness, Oisin showed remarkable strength, dignity, and kindness.
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"Even during his toughest days he thought of others allowing us to host the 5/10K Around the Rock event in his honour, raising an incredible amount for his chosen cancer charities.
"But most of all we will remember Oisin as a kind inspirational young man who was highly respected in our community and we extend our deepest sympathy to his mum Veronica and all of the Cassidy family. Rest easy Oisin."
Another local running club, OMG AC, wrote: "It is with much sadness that we learned today of the passing of Oisin Cassidy. Oisin was such a talented but humble young man.
"He bore his illness with courage and not a complaint. We send all our love to Oisín's mum, Veronica Cassidy, and all his wider family circle and his friends. Oisin and all of you will always be remembered by OMG AC."
GAA CLUB'S MEMORIES
Throughout his childhood and adolescence he'd also represented the local GAA club who similarly paid their respects as the entire community came to terms with his life being cut short.
Derrylin O'Connells hailed: "Our club is in shock and mourning at the tragic passing of Oisin Cassidy.
"Oisin proudly represented our club at under age levels and was part of our Under 12 Division 1 league winning team in 2015.
"Oisin a talented, humble and gifted athlete used his athletic prowess to occupy the midfield and wing half back positions in our teams.
"Oisin would cover every blade of grass when he was on field, with surging runs his trademark.
"Oisin had made a return to play with our senior team, unfortunately his diagnosis prevented him from playing with his friends.
"He did however fulfil a vital role for our senior team last year by being our 'Stats man' a role he fulfilled with due diligence.
"Our deepest condolences go out to Oisin's mother Veronica, the whole Cassidy family and Oisin's friends and teammates.
"As a mark of respect all club activities will be postponed until after Oisin is laid to rest."
