Tragedy as Cork woman, 24, dies after crossing finish line of Cork City Marathon

Ellen Cassidy, 24, tragically died after becoming ill at the Cork City Marathon in Cork City yesterday, Sunday, June 1.

Cassidy became unwell at the finish line after running the half marathon in Cork City Centre, the PA reported.

"Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of an incident on Patrick’s Street in Cork City yesterday afternoon, Sunday 1st June 2025," a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána told IrishCentral on Monday.

"A woman, aged in her 20s, who had been taking part in a sporting event in the city was brought to Cork University Hospital where she was later pronounced deceased.

"A file will be prepared for the Coroner."

Event organizers said in a statement: “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 the emergency services on the scene.

"Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.” 

Cassidy, of Old Mallow Road in Cork City, was a former pupil at St. Angela’s College on Patrick’s Hill in Cork City and is a graduate of University College Cork.

In July 2018, she was profiled when she was one of the athletes in the Mardyke Arena UCC's Emerging Talent Programme. 

The programme noted that Cassidy, who had joined the Dolphin Swimming Club in Cork at the age of nine, was competing at both a national and international level with Munster and Ireland.

At the time, she was part of the Irish National Squad and her focus was on the 200m and 100 m backstroke.

"Knowing that you're breaking your own limits and pushing your own boundaries is something that I strive for," Cassidy said in the video showing a day in her life.

There have been widespread tributes to the talented athlete.

In a statement, Cork City Council said it was "deeply saddened" that a Cork City Marathon participant had "tragically passed away."

The Council 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.”

Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle has offered his sincere condolences to Cassidy'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."

Cllr. Honore Kamegni, the Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, also said he learned of Cassidy's passing with "deep sadness."

He said: "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."

Meanwhile, Dolphin Swimming Club offered its condolences to the family and friends of its former club member.

“Ellen swam through life with grace, strength and passion," Dolphin Swimming Club said.

"Your smile and your drive will never be forgotten.”

Mallow Swans Swimming Club also said it was deeply saddened by Cassidy's sudden passing.

"Ellen always swam with a smile and represented Dolphin, Munster and Irish Swimming with grace and passion," the club said.

In a statement, Swim Munster said it was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of Cassidy's passing.

"Ellen swan with Dolphin Swimming Club, University of Cork Swimming Club, Munster Regional Squad and represented Ireland at European Junior Championships.

"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."