Fermanagh community mourns as young athlete Oisín Cassidy passes away following cancer fight

Oisín Cassidy was a gifted athlete and had represented Athletics Northern Ireland at various age groups and international level

Tributes have been pouring in for an “inspirational young man” from Co Fermanagh who passed away earlier this week after a brave battle with cancer.

Oisín Cassidy, hailing from Derrylin, was a renowned runner and athlete who proudly represented Athletics Northern Ireland in international competitions. He also led his former school, St Michael’s College, to significant victories on both provincial and national levels.

The 22-year-old was diagnosed with cancer last year and had been undergoing treatment to combat the disease. In March, Oisin’s local running club, Derrylin Rock Runners, organised a charity Fun Run which impressively raised over £45,000 to support causes that assisted the athlete during his treatment.

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Sadly, Oisin’s family confirmed that the gifted runner peacefully passed away on Monday. He leaves behind his mother Veronica, uncle Gerald, aunt Cleo (Baxter), and his grandfather Emmett. His grandmother Vera predeceased him, reports the Irish Mirror.

Heartfelt tributes have been flooding in for the talented athlete, with Derrylin Rock Runners praising Oisin as “a kind inspirational young man who was highly respected in our community”.

“We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend, Oisín Cassidy this morning,” they said in a post shared on social media.

“Oisín was an exceptionally talented runner, both locally and nationally, representing Athletics NI in international competitions. He was also a proud multiple time winner of our very own 5K race.

“Throughout his illness, Oisín showed remarkable strength, dignity, and kindness. Even during his toughest days he thought of others allowing us to host the 5/10K Around the Rock event in his honour, raising an incredible amount for his chosen cancer charities.

“But most of all we will remember Oisín as a kind inspirational young man who was highly respected in our community and we extend our deepest sympathy to his Mum Veronica and all of the Cassidy family. Rest easy Oisín.”

The young athlete was also a gifted GAA player who lined out for his local side Derrylin O’Connells, who paid an emotional tribute to the popular and well-liked young man.

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“Our club is in shock and mourning at the tragic passing of Oisín Cassidy. Oisin proudly represented our club at under age levels and was part of our Under 12 Division 1 league winning team in 2015,” the club said.

“Oisín, a talented and gifted athlete used his athletic prowess to occupy the midfield and wing half back positions in our teams. Oisín would cover every blade of grass when he was on field, with surging runs his trademark.

“Oisín had made a return to play with our senior team, unfortunately his diagnosis prevented him from playing with his friends. He did however fulfil a vital role for our senior team last year by being our ‘Stats man’ a role he fulfilled with due diligence.

“Our deepest condolences go out to Oisín’s mother Veronica, the whole Cassidy family and Oisín’s friends and teammates.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”

As a mark of respect to the young sportsman, Derrylin O’Connells postponed all club activities until after Oisín was laid to rest on Wednesday morning.

Oisín had a tremendous impact on his local community and his friends, neighbours and acquaintances have been left heartbroken by his death, with many paying tribute to the “amazing young man”.

One mourner said: ” So sorry for your loss Veronica, Gerald, Cleo, Grandad Emmett, cousins and extended family of Oisín. Taken away far too soon after an illness he bore with courage and dignity, he was an amazing young man. May the angels now circle him and look down on you Veronica.”

Another person added: “Veronica, words cannot express my deep sadness on Oisín death at such a young age. He was a fine young man and inspirational during his illness. I know how proud you were of all his achievements and the close bond you both shared. Sincere sympathy to your sister Cleo and family and to your dad Emmett and all his extended family and friends. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.”

A third individual expressed: “So sorry to learn that Oisín has passed. Met him through the sport of athletics and found him to be an amiable and humble young man as well as a fine cross country runner. He’ll be much missed by team mates past and present and by the wider athletics family. Condolences to his mum Veronica and the family circle.”

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