Friends of woman (24) who died at Cork City Marathon to compete at event in her honour

Olivia Kelleher

Friends of a young woman who fell ill close to the finish line at the Cork City Marathon last year and subsequently died are set to take part in a challenging fitness event this weekend in her memory.

Ellen Cassidy (24) from Carhoo, in the Old Mallow Road in Co Cork, died on June 2nd, 2025.

An elite swimmer, she fell ill near the finish line at St Patrick’s Street. She received medical attention but was pronounced dead at Cork University Hospital.

16 of her friends are due to participate in the Alpha Sim at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork on Saturday in order to honour Ellen.

Her friend Katie Walshe says that they want to celebrate a life that meant so much to them all.

Ms Walshe says that Ellen had an unbelievable passion for sport and exercise.

“It was part of her every day and part of who she was. She pushed herself with determination, joy and strength in everything she did.

"In April (2025), she completed a marathon in Milan, an achievement she was so proud of, and she was also an avid swimmer who competed for Ireland, something that spoke so deeply to her dedication and love for sport.

She thrived on challenge, community and movement, and she inspired everyone around her to be better, stronger and kinder.

"Just two days before Ellen’s passing, Ellen and I bought tickets to compete together in the September Alpha Sim. It was something she had always wanted to compete in and complete, and she was so excited to take it on.

Knowing that makes this event even more meaningful, as we now compete in her memory and carry her spirit with us. All of us are competing for Ellen, and all of us holding her close in our hearts.”

Ms Walshe says that Ellen was the brightest light in the lives of her friends and family.

“She brought laughter, warmth and positivity wherever she went, and she is missed more deeply than words can ever express.”

Her friends have raised over €14,000 on a a Go Fund Me page. It will be given to her family to “choose how best to use the funds in a way that truly honours Ellen.”

Meanwhile, Ellen worked in cybersecurity for PVC having achieved a first class honours degree in Business Information systems from UCC. She was joint Chairperson of the UCC Swimming Club.

A champion swimmer she joined Dolphin Swimming Club on the northside of Cork city when she was nine years old. Ellen represented Ireland at the European Youth Olympics and the European Junior Championships.

She had also been on a UCC Emerging Talent programme and represented Ireland at international schools level. Ellen was also a pianist who studied at the Cork School of Music.

At her funeral in the Church of the Annunciation in Blackpool in Cork city in June of last year her father Tom Cassidy told mourners that Ellen acquired pockets of friends wherever she went.

Mr Cassidy said that the wake for Ellen in their family home had lasted nine hours with friends pouring in in large numbers to share their precious memories.

He stressed that Ellen “didn’t lead with elbows she led with open arms.”

“That made her stand out. That made her special. That made everyone that came in contact with her feel special.”

Mr Cassidy said that Ellen “always had a number of plates spinning at any one time.”

“Swimming, for example, swimming 16 hours per week, music (was) four hours per week, attendance and practice, piano was seven hours a week, attendance and practice, school, her university attendance, exams that go with both and, of course, her friends."

Offertory gifts included a medal Ellen received when she completed the Milan marathon, swimming hats, sheets of music and her music book, a sea shell representing her favourite place which was Alvor in Portugal, and a heart symbolising friendship.