Latest news with #EllenCassidy
Sunday World
05-06-2025
- Health
- Sunday World
Young woman who died after Cork half marathon ‘brought so much light', dad tells funeral
Ellen Cassidy was 'no ordinary girl' who 'brought light into so many lives' Ellen Cassidy (24) died after becoming unwell while taking part in the Cork city half marathon last Sunday A young athlete who fell ill and died minutes after completing the Cork half marathon last Sunday was hailed as an extraordinary person who led her life with a kind heart and "open arms". An emotional tribute was paid to Ellen Cassidy (24) by her heartbroken father, Tom, who told her funeral his daughter's kindness and compassion made everyone she met feel special – and that kindness was repaid by the thousands of people who attended the services for her over the past two days including her nine-hour wake. Hundreds attended the requiem mass for Ms Cassidy with dozens of women wearing colourful outfits and carrying flowers following a special family request to celebrate the young woman's remarkable life. Athletics clubs across Cork and Munster paid a moving tribute as members wore their club running colours and formed a special guard of honour for the funeral cortege route along Great William O'Brien Street in Blackpool. Ms Cassidy's Dolphin and Sunday's Well swimming clubs teammates and friends formed the initial guard of honour outside the Church of the Annunciation in Blackpool. The Cassidy family were deeply touched by the tribute from so many clubs in two sports that Ms Cassidy was passionate about throughout her life. Ellen Cassidy (24) died after becoming unwell while taking part in the Cork city half marathon last Sunday News in 90 Seconds - 5th June 2025 Ms Cassidy fell seriously ill at 1pm last Sunday having just finished the Cork half marathon. Despite efforts by paramedics at the scene and doctors at Cork University Hospital (CUH), she was later pronounced dead. Mourners at the mass were led by her parents, Tom and Vi, her sister, Mary, her brother Charlie, her boyfriend Rob, her grandparents Joan, Billy and Tom as well as her extended family. Special mention was made of Ms Cassidy's friends, Katie and Sadhbh, and her new puppy, Nala. 'This is beautiful Ellen's goodbye mass and Violet, Charlie, Mary and myself would like to thank a few people,' her father said. 'I would like to thank the first responders, paramedics, doctors and nurses who did everything they possibly could to save Ellen at the marathon, in the ambulance and at CUH. 'Their responsiveness, expertise, effort and caring concern shown to Ellen is deeply appreciated. Though the outcome was heartbreaking, their dedication brought comfort in knowing she was in the hands of those who gave it their all on that day.' Mr Cassidy said his family were overwhelmed by the support they have received over the past week from his daughter's friends, neighbours, extended family, sports club mates, work colleagues and those she had met throughout 'We will forever be grateful for their compassion and dedication during such a desperate time in our lives. Your compassion will never be forgotten; your love and support have helped us so much and in a way that words cannot fully express,' he said. 'You have all reminded us how much light she brought into so many lives. 'Today is so, so difficult for Violet, Charlie, Mary and myself… she was our north, our south, our east and our west, our working week and our Sunday rest, our noon, our midnight, our talk, our song, we thought your time with us would last forever. We were wrong. "Over the last number of days there has been a tremendous outpouring of support for Ellen.… articles have appeared across various online and print media. They have no doubt given you a wonderful sense of who Ellen was. That was Ellen – the person we all knew and loved. "Ellen Bina Cassidy was born on March 11, 2001 at the Bon Secours Hospital. She was known to us as 'Ellie', 'Ellie Bellie', 'Elliano', 'Queen', 'Moogamuganski' and 'Geishan' – and she would answer to all of those names at any time." Ms Cassidy worked in the cyber security team at PWC and was a BIS graduate of University College Cork (UCC). 'Ellen was not an ordinary girl – she always had a number of plates spinning at any one time. Swimming, for example, swimming 16 hours per week, music [was] four hours per week, attendance and practice, piano was seven hours a week, attendance and practice, school, her university attendance, exams that go with both and, of course, her friends,' Mr Cassidy said. He said his daughter made friends everywhere she went. 'Ellen didn't lead with elbows, she led with open arms. That made her stand out, that made her special and made anyone who was in contact with her feel special. "The result of this approach to life is what we had last night with a nine-hour wake, a full church today both inside and outside and people all over the country and the world who couldn't make it today watching online. "Honestly, Violent and I, and Mary and Charlie, never expected what we have seen and experienced over the past 48 hours. But that is the result of putting others first. 'Ellen achieved amazing things… she was Sunflower of the Month nearly every year in Rathpeacon National School.' He said his daughter was so determined she went from 9pc in her first ever accountancy examination in secondary school and being asked to consider switching to agricultural science to getting an honours grade in accountancy in her Leaving Cert. Mr Cassidy said he and his wife found their daughter's diary in the days after her death. 'It was as if she wanted us to find it after she passed away,' he said. The entry for March 11, 2021, her 20th birthday, reads: 'I am not a child anymore… step out of your comfort zone. Don't follow the crowd. You never know the person you could be if you don't step up. You will never know what life will throw at you but you must embrace it. Make choices and decisions – but don't look back. Follow your gut. Small things make a huge difference. "I am so lucky to have them [my family] – we are lucky to have each other." Just 24 hours before she took part in the Cork marathon she had sent a message to her family. 'On the day before Ellen died she sent her mother Vi the most beautiful message. It read: 'I would choose my mum to be my mum in every lifetime again and again and again',' Mr Cassidy said. Ms Cassidy's favourite song, Watch This Space, was played at the funeral. She was a champion swimmer who joined Dolphin Swimming Club in Cork when she was just nine years old. Dolphin said she was a remarkable athlete whose life was marked by grace, strength and passion. "Your smile and your drive will never be forgotten," a club spokesperson said. Ms Cassidy represented Cork, Munster and Ireland in swimming and Dolphin said that it 'could not be prouder' when she swam for Ireland at an international event in Luxembourg seven years ago. Swim Munster described her as an 'inspiration to everyone she met', given her commitment to her sport. Ms Cassidy represented Ireland at the European Youth Olympics and the European Junior Championships. She had also been on a UCC Emerging Talent programme and represented Ireland at international schools level. Cork City Marathon organisers said they were deeply saddened by Ms Cassidy's passing and extended their sympathies to her family and friends. Lord Mayor of Cork Dan Boyle offered his sincere condolences to Ms Cassidy's family and friends. He said the entire city was heartbroken by the tragedy. Over 11,000 athletes participated in the full and half marathon runs as well as the 10K event.
Irish Times
05-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Athlete who died shortly after finishing Cork marathon ‘led with open arms', says father
A woman who died not long after reaching the finish line at the Cork City Marathon was generous with her 'attention, energy, love and affection', her requiem Mass has heard. Ellen Cassidy (24), of Carhoo, Old Mallow Road, Co Cork, became ill just after completing the race last Sunday. She died shortly afterwards in Cork University Hospital. Ms Cassidy's father, Tom Cassidy, told mourners at the Church of the Annunciation in Blackpool that his daughter acquired pockets of friends wherever she went. He said Ellen's wake in the family home lasted for nine hours, with friends arriving in large numbers to share their memories. READ MORE Ellen 'didn't lead with elbows, she led with open arms', he said. 'That made her stand out. That made her special. That made everyone that came in contact with her feel special.' Mr Cassidy said that he and his wife Vi, had found their daughter's diary in the days after her death. He said an entry on her 20th birthday summed up her approach to life. 'The entry for March 11th, 2021, her 20th birthday, reads: 'I am not a child anymore ... step out of your comfort zone. Don't follow the crowd. You never know the person you could be if you don't step up. You will never know what life will throw at you, but you must embrace it. Make choices and decisions – but don't look back. Follow your gut. Small things make a huge difference'.' Mr Cassidy said his daughter achieved so much in the fields of music, sport, academia and in her personal life. He asked that her friends continue to call to the family home as they embark on the long and painful road to 'some sort of normality'. Canon John O'Donovan noted that Ms Cassidy had written in her diary that she wanted her family to be happy. She had achieved a lot in her life, but her greatest legacy was the love she had for her family and friends, he added. Offertory gifts included a medal Ellen received when she completed the Milan marathon, swimming hats, sheet music and her music book, a seashell representing her favourite place (Alvor in Portugal) and a heart symbolising friendship. Ms Cassidy is survived by her parents, her siblings Mary and Charlie, her boyfriend Rob, her grandparents Joan, Billy and Tom, her extended family and her many friends.
BreakingNews.ie
05-06-2025
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
Woman who died at Cork Marathon made people feel special, funeral mass hears
A young woman who died not long after she reached the finish line at the Cork City Marathon last weekend had a gift for friendship and was generous with her 'attention, energy, love and affection,' her requiem mass has heard. Ellen Cassidy (24) of Carhoo, Old Mallow Road in Co Cork, became ill just after she completed the half marathon last Sunday at about 1pm. Advertisement She died shortly afterwards in Cork University Hospital. Ellen worked in cybersecurity for PVC, having achieved a first-class honours degree in Business Information systems from UCC. Her father, Tom Cassidy, told mourners at the Church of the Annunciation in Blackpool in Cork city this afternoon that Ellen acquired pockets of friends wherever she went. Mr Cassidy said that the wake for Ellen in their family home had lasted nine hours with friends pouring in in large numbers to share their precious memories. He stressed that Ellen 'didn't lead with elbows she led with open arms.' Advertisement 'That made her stand out. That made her special. That made everyone that came in contact with her feel special. The result of this approach to life is what we had last night with a nine hour wake. A full church today both inside and outside. Honestly we never expected what we have seen over the last 48 hours. But it is the result of (Ellen) putting others first.' Mr Cassidy said that he and his wife Vi had found their daughter's diary in the days after her death. He said Ellen's diary entry on her 20th birthday summed up her approach to life. Advertisement 'The entry for March 11 2021, her 20th birthday, reads: 'I am not a child out of your comfort zone. Don't follow the crowd. You never know the person you could be if you don't step up. You will never know what life will throw at you but you must embrace it. Make choices and decisions - but don't look back. Follow your gut. Small things make a huge difference." "I am so lucky to have them (my family) - we are lucky to have each other." Mr Cassidy said that the day before Ellen took part in the Cork City Marathon she sent her mother Vi 'the most beautiful message.' It read: 'I would choose my Mum to be my Mum in every lifetime again and again and again'." Advertisement Mr Cassidy she that Ellen 'always had a number of plates spinning at any one time.' 'Swimming, for example, swimming 16 hours per week, music (was) four hours per week, attendance and practice, piano was seven hours a week, attendance and practice, school, her university attendance, exams that go with both and, of course, her friends." Mr Cassidy said his daughter achieved so much in the fields of music, sport, academia and in her personal life. Particularly cherished family memories include the sight of Ellen eating pasta with ketchup or the time she managed to get a H2 in Leaving Certificate Accounting having scored just nine percent in the subject in a fifth year exam. Mr Cassidy asked friends of his daughter to continue to call to the family home as the family embark on the long and painful road to 'some sort of normality.' Advertisement He also thanked all those who had assisted Ellen when she became ill as well as family, friends, neighbours and the wider community for their support over the last few days. Meanwhile, Canon John O'Donovan noted that Ellen had written in her diary that she wanted her family to be happy. He said with her all her achievements in life her greatest legacy was the love she had for her family and friends. Offertory gifts included a medal Ellen received when she completed the Milan marathon, swimming hats, sheets of music and her music book, a sea shell representing her favourite place which was Alvor in Portugal, and a heart symbolising friendship. Ireland Convicted rapist who harassed three female journal... Read More Ellen was an accomplished swimmer who represented Dolphin Swimming Club, UCC, Munster and Ireland. She was also a pianist who studied at the Cork School of Music. 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 song 'We have got the world tonight' by Mickey Joe Harte was sung by a soloist as the coffin was brought from the church to the Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork. A guard of honour was formed by members of Dolphin Swimming Club. Large numbers of runners from clubs throughout Cork also participated in the tribute to Ms Cassidy. Friends, many of whom wore bright colours, also walked behind the coffin.
Irish Examiner
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Woman who died after Cork City Marathon made people feel special, father tells mourners
The young woman who died after running the Cork City Marathon at the weekend didn't lead with her elbows, but with open arms, her heartbroken father said. 'That made her stand out, that made her special and made everyone that came into contact with her feel special,' Ellen Cassidy's father, Tom, told mourners at her 'goodbye mass' in Blackpool on Thursday. 'The result of this approach to life was what we had last night - a nine-hour wake, a full church today. Honestly, we never expected what we have seen and experienced over the last 48 hours, but it's the result of putting others first.' An elite swimmer, Ellen, 24, from the Old Mallow Road, Cork, fell ill close to the half marathon finish line on St Patrick's Street on Sunday. She got immediate medical attention but was pronounced dead at Cork University Hospital later. As requested by her family, people came to her funeral mass in The Church of the Annunciation, Blackpool, on Thursday wearing colourful outfits, many clutching freshly cut sunflowers, roses, and carnations, to celebrate her life and say goodbye. Mourners were led by her devastated parents, Violet and Tom, her sister, Mary, her brother, Charlie, her boyfriend, Rob, her grandparents, Joan, Billy and Tom, her extended family and a wide circle of friends. Among the gifts brought to the altar symbolising her passions in life were her Milan marathon medal, her Irish swim caps, sheets of piano music, a seashell representing her love of Alvor, the sea, and travel, and a heart symbol representing her love for her friends. Ellen Cassidy had a love for music, piano, and especially swimming. In a moving eulogy, Mr Cassidy told mourners about her journey from Rathpeacon NS, through St Angela's College, Bruce College, UCD and then the switch to UCC during covid to study business information systems, and of her love for music, piano, but especially swimming. Ellen joined Dolphin Swimming Club in Mayfield aged nine, breaking several club records in her time there, and represented Ireland at the European Youth Olympics in 2015. She was part of the Mardyke Arena UCC's Emerging Talent Programme in 2018, and debuted that year at the European Junior Championships in the 200m backstroke in Helsinki. She was joint chairperson of the UCC Swimming Club and the organisation of the Inter Varsities Swimming Championship in Cork in 2024. She began working with PwC in cybersecurity last September. Mr Cassidy revealed how his wife found their daughter's diary on Tuesday in a place they would never think to look. 'It was as if she wanted us to find it after she passed away,' he said, before reading the entry from March 11, 2021 – Ellen's 20th birthday. The guard of honour by local running and swimming clubs after the funeral mass for Ellen Cassidy today. Picture: Larry Cummins 'Ramen, honestly, what more would you want? Chicken wings to die for, they will be gotten again, most definitely, whereas the Prosecco on the other hand, easy to drink, but by God I felt ill this morning," she wrote. 'Not ideal with my assignment due next week, which of course I still haven't started. I need to actually realise I am now 20. F**k, 20-years old now. No-one is going to do things for me anymore. 'I need to focus on myself, my body, my mind, my mental health, my physical health. It all needs to be looked after by me now. I'm not a child anymore. I have to stop acting as it everyone else is going to do it for me. They're not. 'Ellen it's all you, step up, be brave. If you fail, you fail. But step out of your comfort zone. Don't follow the crowd. I know it's easier said than done, but you will never know the person you could be if you don't try and step up. 'In the next 10 years, you'll be finished college. Working, maybe. In a relationship? Travelling? Swimming? Buying a house? Driving a car? You will never know what life will throw at you but you must embrace it. 'Make choices, make decisions, and don't look back. Follow your gut. Otherwise you will never learn. You won't grow into the person you were meant to be. Small things make a huge difference. All I want is for everything to be perfect. My family. That is what I want. 'But can it be? We need to try harder. No-one will love, accept or support you more than your mother, father, brother and sister. 'I am lucky. I am so lucky to have them. We are lucky to have each other. We need to realise that. I just want mum, dad, Charlie, Mary, and myself to be happy.' A mourner holding flowers in the guard of honour for Ellen Cassidy by local running and swimming clubs. Picture: Larry Cummins Mr Cassidy recalled too how on the day before she died, Ellen sent her mother a message saying she would choose her to be her mum in every lifetime, again and again and again, before he pleaded directly to Ellen's friends to call to their home in the difficult months ahead. 'We don't want this to be the end of the road with the friendships Ellen has forged, but rather it be the continuation,' she said. 'Please call in, have a coffee, share your amazing stories, the fun you had with Ellen, to help us through what we know will be a long road to some sort of normality in our lives.' After Bishop Emeritus John Buckley said final prayers, Ellen's family and friends placed flowers atop her wicker coffin, placed their hands on it gently, and then walked it from the church through a guard of honour outside formed by her long-term swimming club mates. As the hearse moved away, it passed a long guard of honour formed by dozens of runners from clubs across the city, all wearing their club colours, to the Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy for a private ceremony.
The Irish Sun
03-06-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
‘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 Advertisement 3 Her death has triggered sadness across the Irish swimming community Credit: @ 3 The double Olympic medallist described her as a 'great person' 3 Her family have confirmed her funeral will be held on Thursday Credit: 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 Advertisement Read More On Irish Sport 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 Advertisement Most read in Other Sports 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. Advertisement 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". Advertisement 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. Advertisement "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. Advertisement "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." Advertisement
