Council gives residents of Cork street honorary marathon medals for commemorating Ellen Cassidy

The residents of Mount Pleasant Avenue decorate their street in tribute to the 24-year-old runner who passed away after the 2025 half marathon

The name Ellen, written inside a yellow heart, appeared on all 2026 Analog Devices Cork City Marathon finisher medals. Picture: Chani Anderson

A group of Turner’s Cross residents have been honoured with marathon medals for their effort in commemorating Ellen Cassidy last weekend.

More than 12,300 runners, walkers and wheelchair users took part in the 2026 Analog Devices Cork City Marathon last Sunday, and an estimated 25,000 spectators lined the streets to cheer on participants.

Residents of Mount Pleasant Avenue in Turner’s Cross have received medals for their tribute to Ellen Cassidy, the 24-year-old runner who passed away after the 2025 half marathon.

More than 200 family members and friends of Ms Cassidy took part in her memory, including her parents and siblings, while thousands of spectators waved yellow flags and wore yellow, her favourite colour.

The name Ellen, written inside a yellow heart, appeared on all 2026 finisher medals.

The marathon passed through Mount Pleasant Avenue for the very first time, necessitating the closure of the street. Neighbours came together to decorate the street with bunting and yellow balloons.

Council letter

This week, they received a letter in the post from Cork City Council, the marathon organisers, saying: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the residents of Mount Pleasant Avenue for your incredible show of support for all our runners, and in particular for the family of Ellen Cassidy.

“What you did last Sunday will never be forgotten. Early reports came in over the radio that you had decorated the entire street with yellow bunting and balloons, and soon after, the images began to flood in. It was truly moving.” 

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“This created a very special moment for everyone involved in the organising team. From the bottom of our hearts, well done to you all, and thank you for such a beautiful and meaningful gesture.

“Please accept a Full Marathon Medal as a token of our appreciation, so that you will always remember what you achieved together as a community.”