‘Deepest sympathies’ – Meath LGFA lead tributes after tragic death of beloved ex-player in Australia

A GoFundMe has been set up to help Sarah’s family with repatriation costs
MEATH LGFA have led tributes after the sad death of former underage footballer Sarah Halpenny.

A native of Lobinstown, the 29-year-old had been living in Melbourne, Australia where she worked as a school teacher.

A sombre post on the Royals’ Facebook page laid out the extent of her achievements in ladies football at home and abroad.

It read: “Meath LGFA extends its deepest sympathies to the Halpenny family on the heartbreaking passing of Sarah Halpenny.

“Beloved daughter of David and Yvonne, cherished sister to Emma and Grace, and much-loved partner of Ciaran, Sarah was a proud Meath footballer who represented her county with distinction and commitment from a young age.

“Sarah wore the green and gold at several underage grades, including as part of the 2012 Meath U16 panel.

“She is pictured with that team during the round-game victory over Laois, and again later that summer in the U16 Leinster Final of July 2012, where Meath claimed the title, Sarah lining out in the back row wearing No. 5.

“These moments reflect her dedication, talent, and pride in representing her county.

“Her football journey continued at club level with Dee Rangers, where she played from a young age and was part of recent Division 1 and Division 2 championship-winning teams.

“More recently, Sarah brought her love of the game abroad, representing St Kevin’s GAA in Melbourne, where she joined in 2023 and quickly became a valued member of the club.

“Sarah’s loss is felt deeply across Meath LGFA and the wider GAA community.

“She will be remembered for her passion for football, her sportsmanship, and the warmth she brought to every team she was part of.”

Her adopted club in Melbourne posted a similarly tearjerking memorial to her. It stated: “It is with a very heavy heart and sadness that we share the passing of our friend, colleague and teammate, Sarah Halpenny.

“St Kevin’s GAC would like to extend our deepest condolences to Sarah’s parents, Yvonne and David; her sisters, Emma and Grace; and her partner, Ciaran.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Sarah’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.”

Individual tributes have poured in from people who crossed paths with her in Australia as well as in Ireland.

‘AN AMAZING TEACHER’

Among them, one colleague hailed: “Sarah was an amazing teacher who was equally loved and adored by her pupils. She was also held in high esteem and regard by all her colleagues and friends.”

Sarah died on Sunday. Her rip.ie post reads: “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.”

A GoFundMe has been started to help her devastated family with the repatriation process.

At the time of writing it has already generated over €125,000.

Its mission statement says: “This GoFundMe has been created for those who wish to support the costs of bringing Sarah on her final journey home to Ireland, as well as contributing to causes and charities that were close to Sarah’s heart.”