A compassionate and caring young Irish teacher who died in Australia just days before Christmas will be laid to rest in her home county of Meath tomorrow.
Sarah Halpenny, aged 29, originally from Lobinstown and living in Melbourne, is believed to have fallen ill unexpectedly and passed away on Sunday, December 14, reports The Mirror.
Sarah was a highly regarded teacher who previously worked at St Joseph’s National School in Kingscourt, Co Cavan, with the school among those paying tribute to the much-loved educator.
In a heartfelt message shared online, a school spokesperson said: “It is with deep sadness that we bring you the news of the passing of our dear friend, colleague and wonderful teacher Ms Sarah Halpenny, reports The Mirror.
“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, reports The Mirror.
“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, reports The Mirror.
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“We are profoundly grateful for the time we shared with Sarah. She enriched the lives of so many young children and made a lasting difference through her care and enthusiasm and commitment to education, reports The Mirror.
“Sarah was a highly regarded colleague who leaves an indelible mark on the lives of everyone she met. In Sarah’s years in St. Joseph’s NS she formed some amazing friendships that lasted far beyond the staffroom. We all love you so much Sarah and you will be missed beyond belief, reports The Mirror.
“At this very sad time we especially remember Sarah’s family, in particular her parents David and Yvonne, sisters Emma and Grace, her partner Ciarán and wide circle of friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they grieve the loss of such a special person,” reports The Mirror.
Sarah was also a talented Gaelic footballer who began her ladies’ football career with Dee Rangers and represented Meath at several underage levels, including as part of the 2012 Leinster U16-winning panel.
Meath LGFA also paid tribute to the 29-year-old, with chairperson Tommy Cannon saying: “Sarah was an exceptional Meath footballer whose talent and passion shone brightly. She will forever be remembered for her kindness, her warmth, and the positive impact she had on everyone around her,” reports The Mirror.
Friends and relatives later set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of bringing the beloved teacher home to Ireland for her final journey.
The fundraiser has raised more than €178,500, with Sarah’s family confirming she will be laid to rest in her native Lobinstown next week, reports The Mirror.
Sarah will lie in repose at her home on Tuesday and Wednesday from 1pm to 6pm.
Removal will take place on Thursday morning, January 1, arriving at the Church of the Holy Cross in Lobinstown for Funeral Mass at 11am, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery, reports The Mirror.
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