Kildare family extend thanks for "overwhelming support and compassion from home and abroad" after the tragic death of beloved Sarah.
A Kildare family, still reeling from the shock and heartbreak of a loved one’s death, are heartened with the overwhelming compassion extended to them from home and abroad.
On the eve of St Patrick’s Day, Sarah and John O’Brien were flying to Perth, Australia to join their son David and his family for his fortieth birthday. Waiting excitedly at the airport were John and his wife Maria, along with children Cillian (10) and Lauren (8) who were devastated to learn that Sarah (61) had died during the flight.
David and Maria who hail from Narraghmore, Co Kildare emigrated 6 years ago, and this would have been Sarah and John’s third visit to Perth.
Speaking to KildareNow, Sarah’s daughter in law Maria, stated the family were still reeling from the shock of Sarah’s sudden death. “We were so looking forward to the visit; thank God our children have great memories from their previous visits”.
However, Maria stated the family are in awe of the support extended from home and abroad. “The Narraghmore community has been amazing, and the support from Co Kildare is overwhelming”.
Aside from coping with their devastating loss, the family found themselves dealing with the practicalities and expense of flying Sarah’s body home. “The autopsy has begun, but there will be further tests on Sarah’s body on Monday” added Maria.
“We are blessed with friends here in The Claddagh Association in Perth, and with help from the Kevin Bell Repatriation Fund who have completely taken the pressure off for us. They are organising the flight home for Sarah but as yet, we don’t have a date”.
“John is still in shock but we all have to stay strong through this, until we can get home to family and friends in Narraghmore and say goodbye to Sarah properly”.
On behalf of the family, Sarah extended thanks to people who’ve contributed to the gofundme campaign, to cover repatriation costs. At the time of going to press, donations stood at $25,322 (€20,600 at current exchange rates).
“Thank you so much to all who’ve supported this; the excess after costs to bring Sarah home will go directly to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Fund, to help another family through a tragedy like this”.
Sarah is survived by her husband John, sons David, John and Declan (predeceased by son Ciaran) and 10 grandchildren, extended family and friends.
Cllr Ivan Keatley Chair of Athy MD extended his condolences to the family, stating “Rest in peace, Sarah, she was a lovely person and will be missed by her heartbroken family”.
Featured photo shows the late Sarah with grandchildren Emma, Declan, Keira, Lauren, James, Cillian, Rachel and Neve (missing from photo are Paul and Megan). Photo from gofundme.com