A heartfelt and somber tone envelops Derrylin, County Fermanagh, as the community mourns the untimely passing of 22-year-old athlete Oisín Cassidy, who died following a prolonged battle with illness. His funeral was held on August 13 at St Ninnidh’s Church, where his legacy—marked by passion, humility, and resilience—was poignantly remembered.

Cassidy was a celebrated runner, representing Athletics NI in international competitions. Community tributes flooded in from numerous local groups: the Mark Kirk Running Group praised him for his valued friendship and fantasy football prowess; Rock Runners admired his courage and community spirit, which helped spur a cancer-fundraising event in his honor; and OMG AC remembered him as “talented but humble,” with boundless strength through adversity.

Beyond running, he made significant contributions to the Derrylin O’Connells GAA Club, both as a promising youth player and later as a diligent “stats man” after his illness constrained his playing ability. The club announced a temporary pause to activities to honour his memory.

His passing has deeply impacted friends, clubs, and family—including his mother, Veronica, uncle Gerald, aunt Cleo (Baxter), and grandfather Emmett. His funeral service drew many from the local area, reflecting the profound respect and affection he inspired across the community.

Oisín’s legacy endures through the spirit he fostered—marked by empathy, athleticism, and selflessness—and in the charitable initiatives held in his memory to support cancer causes he passionately faced.