Tributes to young Clare woman who died during Edinburgh half marathon - ‘Her vibrant spirit touched so many lives’

Olivia Tuohy, 24, from Ennis, County Clare, died while taking part in the Edinburgh half marathon. Image: rip.ie

A Clare woman has passed away while taking part in the Edinburgh half marathon.

Olivia Tuohy, aged 24, from Ennis, County Clare, was studying in Edinburgh before her untimely death. In a tribute posted on RIP.ie, Olivia is described as a “bright and beautiful spirit”.

The full tribute reads: “Olivia, a bright and beautiful spirit, passed away on May 25 while participating in the Edinburgh Half Marathon.

“Olivia’s bubbly personality and kind heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

“Olivia is survived by her heart broken parents Kieran and Liz and her brother Stephen and his partner Laura, her loving partner Michael and his parents Maria-Elena and Steven, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbours and her friends both in Ireland and Edinburgh.”

The 24-year-old was studying at Queen Margaret University in the Scottish capital before her passing.

An avid Gaelic football player, tributes have poured in for Olivia across Clare from her previous teams and others.

Olivia Tuohy, 24, from Ennis, County Clare, died while taking part in the Edinburgh half marathon. Image: rip.ie

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Clare Ladies Gaelic Football Club expressed their sadness in a post on Facebook: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Olivia Tuohy. Her kindness, warmth, and vibrant spirit touched so many lives on and off the football field, and her absence will be felt profoundly.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, her partner and all who loved her during this difficult time. May she rest in peace.”

Banner Ladies Football Club also shared their condolences to Olivia’s family through Facebook.

“We wish to express our sadness at the passing of our friend and former teammate Olivia Tuohy, daughter of Liz and Kieran,” the club said.

“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.”

Details of the funeral have not yet been announced, however, the family is requesting donations, if desired, be sent to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.

Ms Tuohy’s passing is the second death of a young Irish woman while taking part in running events over the past week. On Sunday, Ellen Cassidy, of Carhoo, Mallow Road in Cork died while taking part in the Cork half marathon.

Emergency service workers fought to save the life of the 24-year-old who collapsed “seconds from the finish line” on St Patrick’s Street on Sunday.

Ms Cassidy was taken to Cork University Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

The young woman was a graduate of University College Cork. She was also a former student of St Angela’s College on Patrick’s Hill in the city.

Ms Cassidy was a keen swimmer who participated in numerous competitions over the years both in Ireland and overseas.

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