Communities in Ireland and Australia have paid tribute to Co Meath woman Sarah Halpenny (29), who has died suddenly in Melbourne.
A former teacher with Kingscourt National School in Co Cavan, Ms Halpenny was employed at the Sacred Heart Primary School, St Albans, Melbourne, while in Australia.
She is understood to have taken ill and died last Sunday.
Her family are from Bengerstown, Lobinstown, near Navan in Co Meath.
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Ms Halpenny, who emigrated to Australia some years ago, was well known in GAA circles in Ireland and Melbourne.
A candlelight vigil will be held on Saturday evening at 8.30pm at Syddan GFC in Co Meath to “come together and remember our beloved Sarah”.
The chairperson of Meath LGFA Tommy Cannon extended the organisation’s condolences to the Halpenny family.
“Sarah was an exceptional Meath footballer whose talent and passion shone brightly,” he said. “She will forever be remembered for her kindness, her warmth, and the positive impact she had on everyone around her.
“Sarah’s dedication, spirit, and presence enriched the lives of all who knew her, both on and off the field. The bonds she created and the strength she inspired will continue to endure.”
She played for Meath at several underage grades, and was part of the Leinster title winning 2012 U16 panel.
Her Co Meath club Dee Rangers said: “Sarah represented Dee Rangers at all age grades through to senior and indeed, was an important part of our Division 2 and Division 1 League winning teams in recent years.
“Sarah’s sisters Emma and Grace are cherished players of our club, her mum Yvonne is an active committee member and her dad David is a loyal supporter, rarely missing a game.
“Dee Rangers would like to extend our deepest condolences to Sarah’s partner Ciaran, her family and wide circle of friends both here and in Australia at this incredibly difficult time.”
St Joseph’s National School in Kingscourt described her as a “wonderful teacher”.
In a post on social media, they said: “Sarah was a person of warmth, kindness and an engaging personality that lit up every room she entered”.
“Sarah’s down to earth demeanour and her calm approach helped ground everyone around her, colleagues and students alike. Sarah was heavily involved in sport in our school, football in particular and was instrumental in introducing our first wellbeing committee, always lending a hand where needed. Her positivity shone bright.”
Her old national school in Newtown, Ardee, said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Sarah who went to school in Newtown. She also completed teaching placement in our school and is fondly remembered here for her love of teaching and the kindness she showed our pupils.”
A notice on the RIP.ie website said: “Sarah tragically passed away unexpectedly in Melbourne, Australia. Sarah will be forever remembered and greatly missed by her heartbroken partner Ciarán, parents David and Yvonne, sisters Emma and Grace, all surrounding family and her large of circle of friends.”
St Kevin’s GAA club, Melbourne’s largest gaelic games club, said “it is with a very heavy heart and sadness that we share the passing of our friend, colleague and team-mate, Sarah Halpenny.”
A notice on the club’s social media said: “Sarah joined St Kevin’s in late 2023 and it didn’t take long for her to make her mark. On the field, she was an outstanding defender, determined, fearless in the tackle and tireless in her work rate.”
The club said she had quickly become “a key part in one of the most successful periods in our history.”
The Catholic parish of Kingscourt also paid tribute to Ms Halpenny: “Our parish and the school community of St Joseph’s, Kingscourt, is the poorer on the loss of our wonderful teacher and friend, Sarah Halpenny, who died suddenly in Australia.
“Sarah was an amazing teacher, who was equally loved and adored by her pupils. She was also held in such high esteem and regard by all her colleagues and friends.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist in bringing Sarah’s remains back to Ireland.
