LAST UPDATE | 2 Jun

A 24-YEAR-OLD woman who died after collapsing at the finish line of the Cork City Marathon has been named locally as Cork native Ellen Cassidy.

Ellen, who was participating in the half marathon, became unwell shortly after completing the race on Patrick Street at around 1pm on Sunday.

Despite the immediate efforts of on-site medics, she was later pronounced dead at Cork University Hospital.

Cork City Council confirmed the tragic news in a statement, expressing deep sadness and extending condolences to Ellen’s family and friends.

“Cork City Council is deeply saddened to confirm that a participant in the Cork City Marathon has tragically passed away,” it said.

Today, the council said: “Cork City Council is deeply saddened at the passing of Ellen Cassidy, a participant of yesterday’s Cork City Marathon.

“Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle has offered his sincere condolences to Ellen’s family and friends 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”.”

Ellen was a graduate of University College Cork and a former student of St Angela’s College on Patrick’s Hill. She was well known in the Cork sporting community as a talented swimmer.

She joined Dolphin Swimming Club in Mayfield at the age of nine and went on to represent her club, her province, and Ireland in numerous competitions both at home and abroad.

She held several club records and was previously named “Swimmer of the Year” and served as team captain.

Ellen Cassidy's swimming club said that she swam through life with grace, strength and passion. Dolphin Swimming Club Dolphin Swimming Club

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.”

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 Youth Olympics and the European Junior Championships. She had also been on a UCC Emerging Talent programme and represented Ireland at international schools level.

Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork and Green Party councillor Honore Kamegni was among those who paid tribute.

“It is with deep sadness I heard of the passing of the runner,” Kamegni wrote on social media.

“My heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.”

Female friends of a young woman who died in hospital yesterday after she became ill at the finish line of the Cork City Marathon 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 the family of Ellen Cassidy of Templenoe House, Carhoo, Old Mallow Road, Co Cork 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

Sunday’s event saw over 11,000 people take part in the Cork City Marathon, including the full marathon, half marathon, and 10km race.

Extensive safety measures were in place, with ambulance crews, the Irish Red Cross, and Civil Defence volunteers deployed across the course.