Dad leads funeral tributes to woman who died after marathon collapse

Cork woman Ellen Cassidy has been remembered as a talented athlete and "truly special" young woman at her funeral Mass this afternoon. The 24-year-old, who died during the Cork City Marathon, was laid to rest today.
Hundreds of mourners turned out to pay their final respects at her requiem mass at The Church of the Annunciation in Blackpool, followed by cremation at the Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy. Many attended the funeral in their brightest, colourful clothes to pay tribute to Ellen. Flowers were laid on the coffin as it exited the church.
In a touching tribute to his daughter, Tom Cassidy described Ellen as someone who had "many plates spinning at a time", highlighting her unwavering dedication to her studies, sports clubs and music - all while managing to make time for a wide circle of friends.
"How she managed to give them all the time, attention, energy, love, and affection is beyond me," her father said, "But Ellen didn't lead with elbows, she led with open arms, that made her stand-out." He praised his daughter for making "everyone that came in contact with her feel special."
The family thanked everyone who helped when Ellen on Sunday. Tom thanked first responders, paramedics, doctors and nurses "who did everything they possibly could to save Ellen" after she fell ill while running the half-marathon in Cork city.
"Although the outcome was heartbreaking, their dedication brought comfort knowing she was in the hands of those who gave it their all on the day."
On behalf of Ellen's heartbroken family, he also thanked all those who have come together to support them through such a difficult time, whose "love and support have helped us so much in a way that words cannot fully express."
Ellen was a keen sportswoman, serving as club captain for a time at Cork's Dolphin Swimming Club. The club has since paid tributes to Ellen, describing her as a woman of great strength, grace and passion.
Whether at the Cork School of Music or during her competitions, Tom said Ellen was always quick to make new friends. He described how Ellen's friend group grew steadily throughout her school years and only grew further as she began to attend university and compete in national sporting and music events.
Mourners heard how Ellen's mother found her diary shortly after her passing, and the family read out small excerpts during the requiem mass. The loving young woman wrote in her journal how she was "so lucky" to have her family and that "I just want Mum, Dad, Charlie, Mary and myself to be happy."
The funeral was accompanied by a guard of honour organised by Cork's running community. A large group of runners and swimmers dressed in their club colours lined the streets outside the church in tribute to Ellen.
The popular young woman served as a swimming and water polo club captain at University College Cork before graduating last year. She was also a former student at St. Angela's College, Cork. She participated in the Mardyke Arena UCC's Emerging Talent Programme in 2018, competing in swimming at a national level.
Tributes have poured in from across Cork as she was remembered as a truly special young woman, with a heart of gold.

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