Young woman, 24, who died after taking part in Cork City Marathon is named
Ellen Cassidy, 24, from Old Mallow Road in Cork city, was running the half-marathon when she became seriously ill and collapsed close to the finish line at around 1pm yesterday.
She was treated by emergency services at the scene on Patrick Street before being rushed by ambulance to Cork University Hospital where she was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.
Cork City Council issued a statement on Sunday afternoon confirming the tragedy. "Cork City Council is deeply saddened to confirm that a participant in the Cork City Marathon has tragically passed away," it said.
"The person was attended to immediately by the emergency services on the scene. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased."
Ms Cassidy was a talented swimmer who participated in numerous competitions over the years at both a national and international level with Munster and Ireland.
At the age of 9 she became a member of Dolphin Swimming Club in Mayfield, located on the northside of Cork city, and her focus was on the 200m and 100m Backstroke.
Ms Cassidy represented Ireland at the European Junior Championships in 2018, while she also represented Ireland at International Schools level.
The popular young woman served as swimming and water polo club captain during her time at University College Cork before she graduated last year, while she was also a former student at St. Angela's College Cork.
Ms Cassidy was also part of the Mardyke Arena UCC's Emerging Talent Programme in 2018, competing in swimming at a national level.
Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Honore Kamegni, offered his "heartfelt condolences" to Ms Cassidey's family following Sunday's tragedy.
"It is with deep sadness that I heard the passing of a woman in her 20s at the Cork Marathon today," he said in a message shared on X / Twitter.
"She became unwell at the finish line on Patrick Str. Immediate medical attention was provided to her. My heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones."
More than 11,000 runners took part in the full marathon, half marathon and 10km events in Cork city on Sunday.
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