A young woman who tragically died after becoming ill while participating in the Cork City Marathon on Sunday has been identified. Ellen Cassidy, 24, from Old Mallow Road in Cork city, was running the half-marathon when she became seriously ill and collapsed near the finish line around 1pm yesterday.

She was treated by emergency services at the scene on Patrick Street before being urgently transported to Cork University Hospital where she was sadly pronounced dead a short time later. Cork City Council issued a statement on Sunday afternoon confirming the tragedy.

"Cork City Council is deeply saddened to confirm that a participant in the Cork City Marathon has tragically passed away," it 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."

Ms Cassidy was a talented swimmer who participated in numerous competitions over the years at both a national and international level with Munster and Ireland.

At the age of 9 she joined Dolphin Swimming Club in Mayfield, located on the north side of Cork city, and her focus was on the 200m and 100m Backstroke. Ms Cassidy represented Ireland at the European Junior Championships in 2018, while she also represented Ireland at International Schools level.

The well-liked young lady took on the role of swimming and water polo club captain while studying at University College Cork, graduating last year, and was also an alumna of St. Angela's College Cork.

Ms Cassidy shone in her sporting endeavours as part of Mardyke Arena UCC's Emerging Talent Programme in 2018, where she competed at national level swimming.

In the wake of Sunday's tragic events, Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Honore Kamegni, expressed his "heartfelt condolences" to Ms Cassidy's family.

He conveyed his sombre feelings: "It is with deep sadness that I heard the passing of a woman in her 20s at the Cork Marathon today," which he shared on X.

Adding, "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."

Over 11,000 competitors laced up for the Cork city marathon, joining the ranks in full marathon, half marathon, and 10km races this Sunday.