Woman who died after Cork City Marathon remembered for 'grace, strength and passion'

Ellen Cassidy, 24, from Carhoo, Mallow Road, died after competing in the Cork City Marathon. Picture: RIP.ie

Funeral details have been announced for Ellen Cassidy, the young woman who died after becoming ill at the finish line of the Cork City Marathon. 

Ms Cassidy, 24, has been remembered by her family as a "beautiful and amazing young lady". They said they are devastated to announce her tragic and sudden death. 

The talented swimmer from Carhoo, Mallow Road, who represented Ireland in the pool was among more than 11,000 people who took to the streets for the full and half marathon events and the 10k race on Sunday.

She became unwell at the finishing line on St Patrick's Street at around 1pm after completing the half marathon.

She was treated at the scene by medics before being rushed by ambulance to Cork University Hospital.

Ms Cassidy was pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later.

Her death notice on RIP.ie  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."

It said she will repose at her home on the Old Mallow Road (T23 R8H7) on Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm.

Requiem Mass will be at 11am on Thursday in The Church of the Annunciation, Blackpool which will be live streamed.

"We request that all the ladies wear their most colourful outfit for the Funeral Mass. Bring a flower also if your heart desires," it says on the death notice.

Ms Cassidy swam with Dolphin Swimming Club, University of Cork Swimming Club, Munster Regional Squad and represented Ireland at the European Youth Olympics in 2015.

She was on the Mardyke Arena UCC Emerging Talent Programme in 2018 and debuted that year at the European Junior Championships in the 200m backstroke in Helsinki.

Ellen was Joint Chairperson of the UCC Swimming Club and the organization of the Inter Varsities Swimming Championship in Cork in 2024.

The Dolphin Swimming Club paid tribute to the young woman, remembering her passion.

“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," they wrote on social media.

"Our swimming community is deeply saddened by Ellen's passing. Her spirit, dedication, and friendship touched us all," wrote Sundays Well Swimming Club in tribute.

She also represented Ireland at international schools level and was on the Mardyke Arena UCC Emerging Talent Programme in 2018.

Swim Munster said on its Facebook page its members are “deeply shocked and saddened” to learn of her death.

“She was an inspiration to everyone she met and dedicated to her sport of swimming and the promotion of it,” they said.

“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.” 

Also on Facebook, Fermoy Swimming Club said: “(We are) deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ellen Cassidy.

“Our thoughts and prayers are extended to her family, friends, and all who knew Ellen.

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.

Mallow Swans Swimming Club said: “(We are) deeply saddened at the sudden passing of Ellen Cassidy.

“Ellen always swam with a smile and represented Dolphin, Munster and Irish Swimming with grace and passion.” “Ellen swam through life with grace, strength and passion,” Dolphin Swimming Club said in a tribute.

“Your smile and your drive will never be forgotten.”

Her friend, Aoife O'Mahony, wrote on Facebook: "I’m heartbroken to hear this devastating news. Ellen was the kindest girl you could ever imagine.

The only way to describe her was a ray of sunshine. She was so funny, smart and passionate and I’m lucky to have called her my friend."

She added: "Thank you for all the laughs and memories over the years.

"I will cherish them forever. Rest in peace El, Until we meet again."

In a statement, the Cork City Marathon organisers said: “Cork City Council is deeply saddened to confirm that a participant in the Cork City Marathon has tragically 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.” 

Tributes have also been paid to a young woman who died while participating in the Edinburgh Half Marathon on May 25.

Originally from Ennis, Olivia Tuohy worked as a nurse in Edinburgh.

The late Olivia Tuohy

She has been remembered by her family as a bubbly young woman, with a kind heart.

"Olivia, a bright and beautiful spirit, passed away on the 25th May while participating in the Edinburgh Half Marathon. Olivia’s bubbly personality and kind heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her," wrote the family in her death notice.

"My thoughts and prayers are very much with you all, especially Kieran, Liz, Stephen and Michael at this sad time. Olivia was a beautiful person and Nurse. She will be missed by so many. I’m so sorry for your loss," another person paid in tribute.

Banner GAA Ennis also paid tribute to Olivia, who used to play football for the club.

"In both our adult football matches yesterday — the Intermediate game v Cratloe and the Junior B game v Cooraclare — a minute's silence was observed as a mark of respect for Olivia Tuohy who played Ladies Football and Camogie with the Banner, and Éanna Rouine from Ennistymon GAA who both passed away recently. 

"Both taken too soon from this world. Thoughts are with their families at this time. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha," the club wrote.