Keen athlete, 24, dies after falling ill as she crossed a half marathon finishing line - a week after another young runner
Two 24-year-old Irish athletes have tragically died within a week of each other after competing in separate half marathons in Scotland and Ireland.
Olivia Tuohy and Ellen Cassidy had taken part in the Edinburgh Half Marathon and Cork City Half Marathon over the last two weekends.
Ms Tuohy, from Ennis, County Clare, was as a student at the Scottish capital's Queen Margaret University and died 'while participating' in the 13-mile event on May 25.
Described as a 'bright and beautiful spirit' by her family, tributes have now poured in for the 24-year-old whose death notice was officially published yesterday.
Her former football club Banner Ladies, who are based in Clare, said: 'We wish to express our sadness at the passing of our friend and former teammate Olivia Tuohy.
'Our thoughts and prayers are with her parents, her brother, her partner, and her family at this sad time. May her gentle soul rest in peace.'
Clare Ladies Gaelic Football added that they were 'deeply saddened to hear' about Ms Tuohy's death and that 'her absence will be felt profoundly'.
A minute's silence was observed at a number of games in Clare over the weekend in Ms Tuohy's memory.
Further tributes were posted on Ms Tuohy's death notice, with one person writing that she was a 'truly wonderful young lady'.
It read: 'I had the privilege of going to school with her and playing camogie that I will always treasure. Olivia was a truly wonderful young lady, full of kindness, spirit, and warmth.
'She always had a smile on her face, and her presence could light up any room.'
Another added: 'I'm so happy to have been able to call Olivia a friend since Junior Infants. So heartbroken. Olivia was so kind to everyone and I'll always remember the memories and her laugh.'
Ms Tuohy is survived by her parents, Kieran and Liz, her brother Stephen and her partner Michael.
No funeral arrangements have been announced at time of writing.
In similarly tragic circumstances across the water, Ms Cassidy yesterday died shortly after crossing the finish line of the Cork City Half Marathon.
The champion swimmer, from Carhoo, Cork, had completed the race at around 1pm on Sunday but quickly reported feeling unwell.
She was tended to by paramedics at the event before being taken to Cork University Hospital by ambulance where she was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.
The marathon organisers said they were devastated to hear that a participant had died.
They added: '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.'
A statement from Cork City Council was released this morning which read: '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'.
Ms Cassidy's swimming club were one of many posters to share tributes online
Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork Honore Kamegni said in a post on X that Ms Cassidy's death had caused a 'deep sadness'.
He added: 'She became unwell at the finish line on Patrick Street. Immediate medical attention was provided to her. My heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.'
Ms Cassidy was a keen swimmer and joined Dolphin Swimming Club in Mayfield when she was aged nine.
The devastated club shared an emotional tribute to Ms Cassidy earlier today, saying she 'swam through life with grace, strength and passion'. They added: 'Your smile and your drive will never be forgotten'.
Ms Cassidy represented Ireland at the European Youth Olympics and European Junior Championships in 2018 with the club saying they 'couldn't be prouder' of her.
Her death notice urges female attendees of her funeral to 'wear their most colourful outfit'.
Ms Cassidy will be laid to rest on June 5.
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