‘Bright and beautiful’ Queen Margaret graduate dies after competing in Edinburgh Half Marathon

Two 24-year-old Irish athletes have died after competing in separate half marathons in Scotland and Ireland.

Olivia Tuohy, a recent nursing graduate at Queen Margaret University, competed in Edinburgh’s half marathon on May 25th.

She has been described as a “bright and beautiful spirit” by her family.

Tributes have poured in for the 24-year-old whose death notice was officially published on June 1st. It was reported that she died “while participating” in the 13 mile run in Edinburgh.

Her former Gaelic Football Club, Banner Ladies, based in County Clare in the Republic of Ireland, said: “We wish to express our sadness at the passing of our friend and former teammate Olivia Tuohy.

RIP.ie.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her parents, her brother, her partner, and her family at this sad time.

“May her gentle soul rest in peace”

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. pic.twitter.com/VrCYEo9Zhl

— Banner Ladies (@banner_ladies) May 28, 2025

Clare Ladies Gaelic Football (the county team) added that they were “deeply saddened to hear” about Olivia’s death, and there “her absence will be felt profoundly”.

A minute’s silence was observed at a number of games in County Clare over the weekend in her memory.

Further tributes were posted following news of her death, including one person saying: “I had the privilege of going to school with her and playing camogie [a variation of Hurling] that I will always treasure.

“Olivia was a truly wonderful young lady, full of kindness, spirit, and warmth. She always had a smile on her face, and her presence could light up any room”

Another said: “I’m so happy to have been able to call Olivia a friend since Junior Infants. So heartbroken. Olivia was so kind to everyone and I’ll always remember the memories and her laugh”.

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A similar death occurred in Olivia’s home nation, where 24-year-old Ellen Cassidy died shortly after completing the Cork City Half Marathon on June 1st.

The champion swimmer from Carhoo, Cork, had completed the race around 1pm on Sunday but quickly reported feeling unwell.

RIP.ie.

She was tended to by paramedics at the event before being taken to Cork University Hospital by ambulance where she was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.

The marathon organisers said they were devastated to hear that a participant had died, adding: “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.”

Cork City Council released a statement following the news, saying: “Cork City Council is deeply saddened at the passing of Ellen Cassidy, a participant of yesterday’s Cork City Marathon.

“Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle has offered his sincere condolences to Ellen’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'”.

Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Honore Kamegni, said in an X post that Ellen’s death had cause “a deep sadness”.

He added: “She became well at the finish line on Patrick Street. Immediate medical attention was provided to her. My heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones”.

It is with deep sadness that I heard the passing of a woman in her 20s at the Cork Marathon today. 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.https://t.co/ycJbURIklS

— Cllr. Honore Kamegni (@HonoreKamegni) June 1, 2025

Ellen was a keen swimmer and had represented Ireland and the European Youth Olympics and European Junior Championships in 2018, with her childhood club Dolphin Swimming Club saying they “couldn’t be prouder” of her.

No funeral arrangements have been announced for Olivia Tuohy. Ellen Cassidy will be laid to rest on June 5, with atendees urged to “wear their most colourful outfit”.

Featured image via death notice website RIP.ie.