Tears are being shed across Ireland and beyond after the passing of a 3-yr-old girl who had been fighting a very rare illness.
Órla Shealy, diagnosed in April with an extremely aggressive and uncommon cancer, died on Friday November 14, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. Her parents, Eamonn and Úna, are originally from Co. Cork but now live in Australia, reports The Mirror.
Órla, who only marked her third birthday in September, had been battling Pleuropulmonary Blastoma (PPB), a condition almost never seen in children. Eamonn and Úna received little Órla’s devastating diagnosis just days after welcoming a new baby girl, Éireann. At that time, the family was told that including Órla, only 115 cases of PPB in children had ever been documented worldwide.
Mum Úna honoured her daughter online, describing how she lived “life to the full” and shared a photo captured a week before Órla passed away, reports The Mirror.
“Our beautiful daughter Órla went to the angels in heaven – Australian time 14/11/25 at 0425,”, reports The Mirror.
“Just as the sun began to rise, Órla died peacefully in her own bed with mam and dad by her side. Órla fought an epic battle for seven months. This picture was taken a week ago on a jumping pillow, when despite everything, Órla was still living life to the full.”, reports The Mirror.
Úna added: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our family, friends, and communities in Australia and Ireland for their unwavering support. Funeral details for next Wednesday 19th Nov 2025 to follow.”, reports The Mirror.
“If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I’d walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again”, reports The Mirror.
Friends and relatives have continued to pay tribute to “little angel” Órla, whose funeral is scheduled for tomorrow.
One friend wrote: “We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful little girl, she is now an angel in heaven with all our little angels. To Eammon, Una, sisters, Terry and Colette we will be thinking of ye on Wednesday and keeping you all in our prayers.”
Another added: “What a beautiful little girl. Sending love &light strength and prayers to all who love her. Rest forever in your new heavenly home Orla. May you sleep peacefully in God’s arms.”
Órla’s Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross Church, Kippa-Ring, Brisbane, at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 19 (AEST).
The service will be streamed live at the following link: [https://www.qualitymemorial.services/orla-shealy](https://www.qualitymemorial.services/orla-shealy)
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