Latest news with #SwimIreland
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
Irish Post
03-06-2025
- General
- Irish Post
Mourners asked to ‘wear bright colours' to funeral of woman who died during Cork marathon
THE family of a young woman who died while running the Cork City Marathon have asked mourners attending her funeral to 'wear bright colours'. Ellen Cassidy died on Sunday, June 1 after falling seriously ill close to the finish line of the city centre run. In a statement Cork City Council said it was 'deeply saddened at the passing of Ellen Cassidy, a participant of the Cork City Marathon'. The Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle has also offered his condolences, saying: "We extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and all who knew Ellen. "Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.' The 24-year-old, who hailed from Old Mallow Road in Cork and was a graduate of University College Cork, has been described as a 'beautiful and amazing young lady' by her family. Confirming her death, they said 'Ellen will be forever loved and truly missed by her mum, Vi, her dad, Tom, her sister, Mary, her brother, Charlie, her boyfriend, Rob, her beloved grandparents, Joan, Billy and Tom and the late Noreen'. Ms Cassidy was a keen swimmer and a member of Cork city's Dolphin Swimming Club. Paying tribute, Swim Ireland said: 'Swim Ireland and the Irish swimming community are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Dolphin Swimming Club's Ellen Cassidy at the Cork City Marathon on Sunday.' They added: 'Ellen represented her club, region and country with pride over many years as a competitive swimmer. 'Our condolences to Ellen's family and friends, all at Dolphin Swimming Club and the wider Cork and Munster swimming community.' Dolphin Swimming Club has also paid tribute, saying 'Ellen swam through life with grace, strength and passion'. 'Your smile and your drive will never be forgotten,' they added. 'Our deepest condolences to all the Cassidy family and friends.' Ms Cassidy's funeral will take place at 11am on Thursday, June 5 in The Church of the Annunciation in Blackpool, followed by burial at St. Catherine's Cemetery in Kilcully. The family have requested that 'all the ladies wear their most colourful outfit for the funeral Mass'. 'Bring a flower also if your heart desires,' they added. See More: Cork Marathon, Ellen Cassidy, Funeral
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
McCartney prepares for World Aquatics Championships in Singapore
Enniskillen's Ellie McCartney has been selected to represent Ireland at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, joining an impressive 12-strong team that includes Olympic Champion Daniel Wiffen and fellow Olympic medallist Mona McSharry. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the 20-year-old National Centre Limerick swimmer, who earned her place on the team following her outstanding performances at the Irish Open Championships where she set a championship record in the 200m Breaststroke with a time of 2:24.35. McCartney joins an exciting blend of experienced athletes and emerging talent, with Swim Ireland naming several promising young swimmers alongside established stars like European Champion Danielle Hill and Olympic semi-finalist Tom Fannon. The team will be looking to build on Ireland's historic three-medal haul from the Paris Olympics. McCartney's preparation for Singapore continued with impressive performances at the prestigious Mare Nostrum Swim Tour, competing across venues in Barcelona and Canet-en-Roussillon. The international competition provided crucial race experience against world-class opposition ahead of the World Championships. In her first outing, McCartney qualified to both the 100m Breaststroke B Final (1:08.05) and 200m Individual Medley B Final (2:14.94), using the competition as valuable preparation for her upcoming international commitments. Her standout performance came in the 200m Breaststroke, where she demonstrated remarkable improvement throughout the competition. After clocking 2:28.18 in the heats, McCartney returned for the A final and delivered a stunning 2:25.46, narrowly missing the podium in fourth place but showing the kind of form that earned her World Championship selection. The final leg of the Mare Nostrum tour saw McCartney continue to excel. She qualified for the 100m Breaststroke A Final, recording 1:08.44 to finish sixth in a highly competitive field. Her crowning achievement came in the 200m Breaststroke Final, where McCartney claimed bronze with a time of 2:24.55, finishing just 0.3 seconds behind silver. Remarkably, the final featured at least three Olympians and a Commonwealth swimmer, underlining the quality of competition McCartney is now competing against at the highest level. McCartney's selection for the World Championships caps off a remarkable rise that has seen her become Ireland's second-fastest ever female breaststroke swimmer in both the 100m and 200m events. Her times now place her in the world's top twenty-five rankings for 2025 in the 200m Breaststroke. The busy summer schedule ahead includes the European Aquatics U23 Championships, where McCartney will look to build further on her recent success before heading to Singapore for the World Championships. Her progression from promising junior to world-class competitor has been remarkable, and she enters these major competitions with genuine medal prospects. Team Ireland's World Championships squad reflects the current strength of Irish swimming, with athletes spanning different generations and specialities. As Daniel Wiffen looks to defend his 800m and 1500m Freestyle world titles won in Doha 2024, McCartney represents the exciting future of Irish swimming on the world stage. The continued support from local sponsors Encirc and Balcas, as well as Sport NI & Sport Ireland, has been instrumental in McCartney's development, enabling her to compete at this elite level and represent both her local community and Ireland with distinction.
The Journal
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Journal
Former Swim Ireland performance director accused of 'toxic' practices during UK role
FORMER SWIM IRELAND national performance director Jon Rudd has been accused of 'bullying, a toxic training environment and controlling food culture' by 12 swimmers during a previous role he held in England. The allegations against Rudd were detailed in a BBC Panorama programme on Monday night. Rudd spent eight years with Swim Ireland but left his role last week to join the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee as performance director. The Panorama investigation focuses on Rudd's time with Plymouth Leander, where he was head coach between 1989 and 2017. Lithuanian Rūta Meilutyte, who at the age of 15 became the youngest person to win the Olympic 100m breaststroke at the 2012 London Games, told Panorama that Rudd's training environment 'made me for a while and then it broke me'. Meilutyte said she once told Rudd she would make herself sick after meals, and he replied: 'Well, at least you get the calories out.' Panorama's investigation also revealed 17 witnesses gave evidence as part of a 2012 investigation which determined Rudd should be suspended, but Swim England did not take any action. Advertisement Swim Ireland say they were made aware of the 2012 investigation in 2023, but state there was 'no suggestion or indication of welfare issues' during his eight years at Swim Ireland. A Swim Ireland statement read: 'In September 2023, Swim England advised Swim Ireland of an independent review of a 2012 report concerning Plymouth Leander Swimming Club where Jon Rudd was Head Coach. 'Upon Swim Ireland requesting further details, Swim England issued the following correspondence: 'that specific case was more for information and records only, rather than any need for specific action on your [Swim Ireland's] end.' And further; 'case files don't get shared unless there is specific/threat which justifies it.' Swim Ireland never received the independent review or the original report from Swim England and have heard nothing further from them on the matter. 'Despite Swim England indicating that no action was required by Swim Ireland, Swim Ireland conducted its own internal assessment led by our Head of Safeguarding. Jon fully cooperated with this process. There has been no suggestion or indication of welfare issues during Jon's tenure with Swim Ireland. Furthermore, towards the end of 2022, a thorough independent Sport Ireland Culture Review was completed with our Performance Department that involved staff, coaches and included meetings with athletes. This Culture Review raised no concerns. 'Jon resigned his role with Swim Ireland to take up a position of Performance Director at Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee. 'The welfare and support of swimmers is a primary focus for Swim Ireland. The 'Here to Listen' section of our website details who to speak to and supports available to anyone with a concern relating to welfare of any swimmer.' Written by Ciarán Kennedy and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won't find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women's sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here .
The 42
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Former Swim Ireland performance director accused of 'toxic' practices
FORMER SWIM IRELAND national performance director Jon Rudd has been accused of 'bullying, a toxic training environment and controlling food culture' by 12 swimmers during a previous role he held in England. The allegations against Rudd were detailed in a BBC Panorama programme on Monday night. Rudd spent eight years with Swim Ireland but left his role last week to join the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee as performance director. Advertisement The Panorama investigation focuses on Rudd's time with Plymouth Leander, where he was head coach between 1989 and 2017. Lithuanian Rūta Meilutyte, who at the age of 15 became the youngest person to win the Olympic 100m breaststroke at the 2012 London Games, told Panorama that Rudd's training environment 'made me for a while and then it broke me'. Meilutyte said she once told Rudd she would make herself sick after meals, and he replied: 'Well, at least you get the calories out.' Panorama's investigation also revealed 17 witnesses gave evidence as part of a 2012 investigation which determined Rudd should be suspended, but Swim England did not take any action. Swim Ireland say they were made aware of the 2012 investigation in 2023, but state there was 'no suggestion or indication of welfare issues' during his eight years at Swim Ireland. A Swim Ireland statement read: 'In September 2023, Swim England advised Swim Ireland of an independent review of a 2012 report concerning Plymouth Leander Swimming Club where Jon Rudd was Head Coach. 'Upon Swim Ireland requesting further details, Swim England issued the following correspondence: 'that specific case was more for information and records only, rather than any need for specific action on your [Swim Ireland's] end.' And further; 'case files don't get shared unless there is specific/threat which justifies it.' Swim Ireland never received the independent review or the original report from Swim England and have heard nothing further from them on the matter. 'Despite Swim England indicating that no action was required by Swim Ireland, Swim Ireland conducted its own internal assessment led by our Head of Safeguarding. Jon fully cooperated with this process. There has been no suggestion or indication of welfare issues during Jon's tenure with Swim Ireland. Furthermore, towards the end of 2022, a thorough independent Sport Ireland Culture Review was completed with our Performance Department that involved staff, coaches and included meetings with athletes. This Culture Review raised no concerns. 'Jon resigned his role with Swim Ireland to take up a position of Performance Director at Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee. 'The welfare and support of swimmers is a primary focus for Swim Ireland. The 'Here to Listen' section of our website details who to speak to and supports available to anyone with a concern relating to welfare of any swimmer.'
