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Irish Times
01-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Iodine-deficiency signs in some 60% of pregnant women in Ireland, study finds
Some 60 per cent of pregnant women in Ireland show signs of iodine deficiency, a new study from University College Cork has found. Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production, which supports a baby's brain development during pregnancy. A women's requirement for the mineral increases 50 per cent during pregnancy, but it cannot be produced by the human body and must be acquired through the diet or supplements. The researchers of the study, which is the first large-scale assessment of iodine status in pregnant women in Ireland, said the findings highlight a need for increased nutritional awareness to support maternal and child health. READ MORE The study, which was recently published in the European Journal of Nutrition, evaluated iodine levels in more than 1,500 women who were pregnant with their first baby at Cork University Maternity Hospital, through health questionnaires and urine samples. The study found 60 per cent of participants had insufficient iodine intake. The average urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 125µg/L (micrograms per litre), below the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended level of 150µg/L for pregnancy, the study said. Women who were younger, had a higher BMI, had lower education levels or were not taking iodine-containing supplements were more likely to be deficient, the report added. Seasonal variation played a role, with lower iodine levels during the summer months. The research was led by Dr Áine Hennessy from the Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT) at UCC and the Cork Centre for Vitamin D and Nutrition Research at the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences. According to the researchers, deficiency of iodine in pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes, including impaired neurodevelopment in children. Dr Hennessy said iodine deficiency is ' one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies worldwide'. 'There is little public awareness of the important role that iodine plays in brain development during pregnancy,' she said. 'Our findings are particularly concerning as most women in the study were considered healthy and low risk and two-thirds reported taking pregnancy supplements containing iodine. This suggests that additional public health measures may need to be addressed.' Dr Hennessy has advised women planning a pregnancy to ensure 'adequate iodine intake through diet'. 'Including two or more servings of milk or yoghurt daily and eating white fish once a week is recommended by the HSE,' she said. 'For those following vegan or predominantly plant-based diets, it's important to choose iodine-fortified alternatives. We do not recommend kelp or seaweed supplements, as they can contain very high levels of iodine that can cause issues for the thyroid.' The researchers have called for a 'policy review' and nutrition education for women of childbearing age, noting Ireland does not currently have a policy for salt iodisation or iodine food fortification. Iodisation is the process of fortifying salt for human consumption with iodine and is an effective strategy to increase iodine intake, according to the WHO.
The Irish Sun
12-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Irish jockey Michael O'Sullivan's cause of death confirmed as inquest hears rider died from ‘traumatic brain injury'
CHELTENHAM Festival-winning jockey Michael O'Sullivan died from a 'severe, traumatic brain injury' due to a horse riding accident, his inquest has heard. 4 Michael O'Sullivan fell from his horse while racing at Thurles earlier this year Credit: PA 4 He suffered a 'severe, traumatic brain injury' Credit: PA Dr Bolster carried out a Mr O'Sullivan, from Currabower, Lombardstown, Co Cork died at Cork University The jockey was airlifted to hospital following the serious last fence fall in Thurles, Co He was just days short of his 25th birthday when he passed away ten days later. READ MORE IN HORSE RACING Sergeant Aisling Murphy requested an adjournment of the inquest into the death of the champion jockey to facilitate 'preparatory work'. Cork City Coroner Philip Comyn said the inquest was being opened for the purpose of hearing medical evidence on the cause of death so that a death certificate could be issued to the Inspector Justin Walsh, from the Health and Safety Authority, confirmed that their Solicitor Denis Linehan, who represents the O'Sullivan family, was also in attendance at the inquest. Most read in The Irish Sun A full hearing of the case will take place at a later date. Michael is survived by his parents William and Bernie, his brother Alan, his partner Charlotte and his grandmother Mary. Michael O'Sullivan's girlfriend hugs jockey Seán Flanagan after Marine Nationale wins at Cheltenham Michael shot to public attention in 2023 when he won the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at In an incredible twist of fate, both horses also won at the Festival this year, just under a month after he was laid to rest. LIFELONG DREAM His father William told mourners that He said that he had his heart set on being a jockey from an early age. Meanwhile, Michael's brother Alan and his cousins, David O'Sullivan and Sonny McCartan, recently took part in the Cork City Marathon to raise funds for Bru Columbanus, a throughout the county. They decided to raise funds for the site in Wilton in Cork as it was a 'safe haven' for the O'Sullivan family when Michael was in intensive care. Over €94,000 has been raised for the charity so far. Donations can still be made online at 4 Huge crowds attended his funeral at St John the Baptist Church in Glantane, Co Cork on February 19 Credit: PA 4 Michael shot to public attention in 2023 when he won the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham Credit: PA
The Irish Sun
03-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Irish Olympic medallist adds to tributes for young woman who died after running Cork half-marathon
OLYMPIC medallist Mona McSharry has added to the tributes paid after the death of Ellen Cassidy following the Cork half-marathon. Ellen, 24, 4 Ellen Cassidy died after competing in the Cork City half-marathon on Sunday Credit: 4 McSharry has expressed her sympathy as the Irish swimming community mourns Ms Cassidy's death 4 The Olympic bronze medallist reposted University College Cork's heartfelt statement mourning Ellen's death Credit: @MONALMCSHARRY She was tended to at the scene by paramedics before being transferred to Cork University Ellen was a champion Such was her ability that she 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. Read More On Irish Sport Her college issued a heartfelt statement on her passing which Paris Games medallist McSharry has since reposted on her Instagram account. It read: "In loving memory of Ellen Cassidy. It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of Ellen's sudden passing of our dear friend, teammate and former captain, 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 treasure to her her time leading as co-captain, Ellen brought unmatched energy, dedication and care to everything she did. Most read in Other Sports "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. "Anyone who knew Ellen will remember the way she lit up a pool deck. Mona McSharry in tears after nabbing Ireland's first Paris Olympics medal with BRONZE in tightly-fought final "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. "As co-captain she brought us together, celebrated our wins big and small, and made sure that no one ever felt alone ever. "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." SEPARATE TRAGEDY Tragically, Olivia Tuohy was a student at Queen Margaret University on the outskirts of the Scottish capital. The news of her tragic passing has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community in Ennis, Co In a moving tribute paid by her heartbroken family, they said: "Olivia, a bright and beautiful spirit, passed away on May 25 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." 4 Olivia Tuohy passed away after running in the Edinburgh Half Marathon on May 25 Credit: Tributes were also paid by the Clare ladies football team, stating how her "kindness, warmth and vibrant spirit" had a huge impact on their lives. 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." On Sunday a minute's silence was observed at all GAA games in Clare in her memory.
The Irish Sun
02-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Heartbreak after two young Irish runners die at separate half marathons in Cork and Edinburgh as tributes pour in
TWO RUNNERS tragically passed away after collapsing during separate half marathons held in two different European cities. 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. READ MORE IN NEWS "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." Most read in Irish News 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 2 Ellen Cassidy tragically passed away after participating in the Cork City Marathon Credit: Dolphin Swimming Club 2 Olivia Tuohy passed away during the race in Edinburgh on May 25 Credit: Facebook
The Irish Sun
01-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Tragedy as woman, 20s, dies after becoming unwell at finish line of Cork City Marathon as tributes paid to runner
A WOMAN in her 20s has tragically died after taking part in the Cork City Marathon today. The runner, who was taking part in the half-marathon section of race, was close to the finish line on Patrick Street when she suffered a medical emergency. She was attended to by medics at the scene close to the finish line before being rushed by ambulance to Cork University Tragically, the runner was pronounced dead some time later. Her family has now been notified of her death. In a statement issued by the READ MORE IN NEWS "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." Cllr and He wrote: "It is with deep sadness that I heard the passing of a woman in her 20s at the Cork Marathon today. Most read in Irish News "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." Thousands of runners across the country and 550 international participants from more than 26 countries took part in the race. The full marathon kicked off at 8:15am in the city centre, while the half marathon commenced two hours later from Monahan Road. Road closures were rolled out across the city to facilitate the busy race. 1 Thousands of runners took part in the Cork City Marathon today Credit: Darragh Kane
