‘Wonderful teacher and friend’ Tributes paid to Irish woman Sarah Halpenny after tragic death in Australia

Tributes are pouring in for a young Irish teacher who has died suddenly in Australia.

Sarah Halpenny, who was originally from Lobinstown in Meath, was a much-loved teacher in her local community, which is reeling from the shock of her sad passing at 29 years of age.

Sarah had been living and working in Melbourne when she tragically lost her life.

Sarah Halpenny. Pic: St Kevin’s GAA Facebook

As the sad news broke, she was remembered by her former colleagues as ‘a wonderful teacher and friend’.

‘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.’

She was also highly active in GAA, and carried on playing when she moved to Australia, togging out for St. Kevin’s Club.

Sarah Halpenny. Pic: St Kevin’s GAA Facebook

The club remembered her as someone who was ‘an outstanding defender, determined, fearless in the tackle, and tireless in her work rate’.

‘In a very short space of time, she became an ever-present figure in our senior women’s team and a key part of one of the most successful periods in the club’s history,’ the club added.

Her funeral details have yet to be announced, and a GoFundMe has been set up to help her family cover the repatriation costs of bringing her home to Ireland. To date, the fundraiser has raised €68,102.

Sarah Halpenny. Pic: St Kevin’s GAA Facebook

Sarah’s death notice reads: ‘Sarah tragically passed away unexpectedly in Melbourne, Australia.

‘Sarah will be forever remembered and greatly missed by her heartbroken partner Ciaran, parents David and Yvonne, sisters Emma and Grace, all surrounding family and her large circle of friends.’

Her death follows the sad passing of another Irish woman, Serena Downey, in Perth in October.