Tributes paid to woman (24) who died following Cork City Marathon

Olivia Kelleher

Tributes have been paid to 24-year-old Ellen Cassidy of Carhoo on the Mallow Road in Co Cork, who died in hospital on Sunday after becoming unwell at the finish line of the Cork City Marathon.

Ellen became ill at about 1pm on Sunday 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.

Female friends of Ellen are being asked to wear bright colours and to bring a flower, if desired, to her funeral mass on Thursday.

In a death notice on Rip.ie her family say that she will be “forever loved and truly missed.”

Ellen is survived by her parents Vi and Tom, her siblings Mary and Charlie, her boyfriend Rob, her grandparents Joan, Billy and Tom, her extended family and her “many, many best friends.”

The funeral notices also reads that Ellen will also be much missed by her coaches, teachers and work colleagues. Ellen will lie in repose at her home on the Old Mallow Road on Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm.

Her requiem mass will take place on Thursday at the Church of the Annunciation in Blackpool in Cork city with burial following at St Catherine’s Cemetery in Kilcully, Co Cork.

Ellen was a champion swimmer who joined Dophin 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 Ellen 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.”

Ellen 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.

Ellen had competed on behalf of her club, Munster and Ireland. She had represented Ireland at the European Yough 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.”

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Dan Boyle has issued a statement in which he has offered his sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Ellen Cassidy.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and all who knew Ellen. Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.”

Swimming and running clubs have also posted messages of sympathy and support on social media in the wake of the tragedy.

Swim Munster said that Ellen swam with Dolphin Swimming Club, University College Cork (UCC) Swimming Club and the Munster Regional Squad.

“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 organisation of the Inter Varsities Swimming Championship in Cork in 2024.

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.”

Sunday’s Well Swimming Club said that Ellen’s “spirit, dedication and friendship” impacted on all who knew her.

Mallow Swans Swimming Club said that Ellen “always swam with a smile and represented Dolphin, Munster and Irish Swimming with grace and passion.”

Streamline Swim in Cobh, Co Cork said that club members would remember Ellen as a “kind soul who lived her life with grace, kindness, and passion.”

Tributes were also made to Ellen by amongst others Blackrock Swimming Club, Aghada Running Club, The Runners Diary Podcast and the Happy Feet Walking/Running club. Ellen lived at Templenoe, Carhoo in Co Cork.

In a statement the marathon organisers said that they were deeply saddened to confirm that a participant in the marathon had passsed 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.