Cork, June 2 — The Cork City Marathon was overshadowed by tragedy on Sunday after a young participant collapsed near the finish line and later died in hospital. The deceased has been named as Ellen Cassidy, a 24-year-old from Old Mallow Road, Cork City.
Ms Cassidy was participating in the half-marathon event when she became critically unwell just before 1:00 p.m. on Patrick Street. Emergency services responded immediately, providing medical assistance at the scene before transferring her by ambulance to Cork University Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Cork City Council confirmed the incident and extended condolences to Ms Cassidy’s family and friends.
“Cork City Council is deeply saddened to confirm that a participant in the Cork City Marathon has tragically passed away. The person was attended to immediately by emergency services on the scene. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased,” the statement read.
Ms Cassidy was a well-known and accomplished athlete within Ireland’s swimming community. A former member of Dolphin Swimming Club in Mayfield, she began competitive swimming at the age of nine, specialising in the 100m and 200m backstroke. She represented Ireland at the European Junior Championships in 2018, and also competed at International Schools level.
An alumna of St. Angela’s College in Cork, Ms Cassidy went on to study at University College Cork (UCC), where she served as club captain for both the swimming and water polo teams. She was also a part of the Mardyke Arena UCC’s Emerging Talent Programme, through which she competed at national level.
Her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief across Cork’s sporting and academic communities. Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Honore Kamegni, expressed his sorrow in a statement shared on social media:
“It is with deep sadness that I heard of the passing of a woman in her 20s at the Cork Marathon today. 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.”
More than 11,000 runners participated in the Cork City Marathon’s full, half, and 10km events on Sunday. Organisers have not yet issued further details but are expected to review safety and emergency protocols in light of the incident.
Funeral arrangements for Ms Cassidy are expected to be announced in the coming days.
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