‘A great person' – Daniel Wiffen pays heartfelt tribute to Irish swimming champ who died after Cork half-marathon

DANIEL Wiffen has added his personal tribute to the countless paid to Ellen Cassidy after she died at the Cork City half-marathon.
Ellen, 24, passed away
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Her death has triggered sadness across the Irish swimming community
Credit: @daniel.wiffen
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The double Olympic medallist described her as a 'great person'
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Her family have confirmed her funeral will be held on Thursday
Credit: rip.ie
In addition to being a runner, her primary sport was swimming.
She was previously the co-captain of University College Cork's swim team and had represented Ireland at the European Youth Olympics as well as the European Junior Championships.
The college graduate was a member of University College Cork's Emerging Talent programme.
Due to her being such an accomplished swimmer, it's evident she and
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Reacting to her untimely death, he shared a Swim Ireland memorial post about her and added his own words of sorrow.
He solemnly wrote: "Such sad news, Ellen was such a great person. My thoughts are with her family."
His fellow Paris Games medallist Mona McSharry
Ellen's grieving family have confirmed that
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In a heartbreaking funeral notice, they 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.
Watch RTE panel's ecstatic reaction to Mona McSharry nabbing bronze medal at Paris Olympics RTE 2
She will also be missed by her "beloved grandparents", Joan, Billy, Tom and the late Noreen.
Ellen will repose in her home on Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm.
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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.
She has been remembered as "a true ray of sunshine" and "a genuine girl" in heartbreaking tributes that have been pouring in.
UCC TRIBUTE
Her old college issued a statement that touched on how "Ellen was so much more than just a swimmer".
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It read: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the sudden passing of our dear friend, teammate and former co-captain Ellen Cassidy, who tragically passed away on Sunday.
"Ellen was so much more than just a swimmer, she was the heart of it.
"From her early days as treasurer to her her time leading as co-captain, Ellen brought unmatched energy, dedication and care to everything she did.
"She was the kind of person who showed up for every set, every teammate, every moment and she made it better by just being there.
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"Anyone who knew Ellen will remember the way she lit up a pool deck.
"She had the brightest smile, the warmest hello and the effortless way of making everyone feel seen and valued.
"She never let anyone feel like a stranger, she learned your name, asked how you were, and really meant it.
"Ellen graduated from UCC in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, commitment and genuine love for this team and everyone in it.
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"As co-captain she brought us together, celebrated our wins big and small, and made sure that no one ever felt alone.
"Our thoughts and sympathies are with Ellen's family, her many friends, and everyone lucky enough to have known her.
"Her absence is felt deeply, but her spirit will always be a part of this team.
"We love you Ellen, thank you for everything. You will always be with us, in every practice, every race, every laugh on deck and in our hearts. Rest in peace, Ellen Cassidy."
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