Heartbreak after two young Irish runners die at separate half marathons in Cork and Edinburgh as tributes pour in
Ellen Cassidy, 24, and Olivia Tuohy, 24, sadly passed away after participating in the half marathon in the
Ellen became ill at around 1pm after she had finished the half-marathon event in Cork City yesterday.
She was tended to at the scene by paramedics before being transferred to Cork University
Ellen was a champion
In a tribute paid by the club, they said: "Ellen swam through life with grace, strength and passion. Your smile and your drive will never be forgotten.
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"Our deepest condolences to all the Cassidy family and friends."
A spokesperson for Swim Munster paid tribute to Ellen: "Swim Munster is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Ellen Cassidy yesterday.
"Ellen swan with Dolphin Swimming Club,
"She was an inspiration to everyone she met and dedicated to her sport of swimming and the promotion of it, most recently as Joint Chairperson of the UCC Swimming Club and the organization of the Inter Varsities Swimming Championship in Cork in 2024."
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Ellen had competed on behalf of her club, Munster and Ireland at the
She had also been on a UCC Emerging Talent programme and represented Ireland at the international schools level.
'HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES'
Honore Kamegni, Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, added: "My heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones."
Elsewhere, Olivia Tuohy tragically passed away after taking part in the Edinburgh half marathon on Sunday, May 25.
The Irish athlete was a student at Queen Margaret University on the outskirts of the capital.
The news of her tragic passing has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community in Ennis, Co
'BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT'
In a moving tribute paid by her heartbroken family, they said: "Olivia, a bright and beautiful spirit, passed away on 25 May while participating in the Edinburgh Half Marathon.
"Olivia's bubbly personality and kind heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Olivia is survived by her heartbroken
parents, Kieran and Liz; her brother Stephen and his partner Laura; her loving partner Michael and his parents Maria-Elena and Steven; her aunts, uncles, cousins,
neighbours, and her friends both in
Ireland
and Edinburgh."
Tributes were also paid by the Clare Ladies
'VIBRANT SPIRIT'
They wrote: "We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Olivia Tuohy.
"Her kindness, warmth, and vibrant spirit touched so many lives on and off the football field, and her absence will be felt profoundly.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, her partner and all who loved her during this difficult time. May she rest in peace."
The Banner Ladies football club, for whom she also played, said: "We wish to express our sadness at the passing of our friend and former teammate, Olivia Tuohy, daughter of Liz and Kieran.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with her parents, her brother Stephen, her partner Michael, and her family at this sad time. May her gentle soul rest in peace."
A minute's silence was observed at all games in Clare yesterday.
No
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Ellen Cassidy tragically passed away after participating in the Cork City Marathon
Credit: Dolphin Swimming Club
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Olivia Tuohy passed away during the race in Edinburgh on May 25
Credit: Facebook
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