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19 Dec 2025

RIP: Young Irish teacher dies suddenly in Australia as GoFundMe goes viral overnight

Many people have been left shocked and heartbroken after a 29-year-old teacher tragically passed away in Melbourne, Australia

RIP: Young Irish teacher dies suddenly in Australia as GoFundMe goes viral overnight

Rest in Peace Sarah Halpenny

A GoFundMe has gone viral in less than 24 hours for a young Irish woman who tragically died unexpectedly in Australia.

Sarah Halpenny, a 29-year-old teacher from Navan in Meath, passed away unexpectedly in Melbourne, Australia on Sunday 14th December 2025.

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.

Sarah was heavily involved in her GAA community back in Ireland and also joined St Kevin’s GAA when she moved to Melbourne.

Heartfelt messages have been left on RIP.ie, from those who knew and loved, with one heartbroken person writing,

"The St Pats community in Sydney would like to extend our deepest condolences to Sarah’s partner, family and friends both in Ireland and here in Australia on the untimely passing of Sarah. To Sarah’s friends at St Kevin’s GAA in Melbourne we are thinking and praying for you all at this heartbreaking time.
May her gentle soul rest in peace

Another message said, "Deepest sympathy to Sarah’s extended family, boyfriend, best friends and everyone who knew and loved this beautiful young lady taken from you all too soon. I pray god gives you the strength to get through these extremely sad days. May Sarah rest in peace with loved ones gone before her".

A GoFundMe was set up by Sarah's loving boyfriend and sister Emma which has raised an enormous amount of money in less than 24 hours.

READ NEXT: Three dead and others seriously injured on Irish roads in 12 hours amid Garda appeals

The GoFundMe said "We are heartbroken to share that our beloved Sarah Halpenny tragically passed away unexpectedly in Melbourne, Australia.

"Sarah was a deeply loving partner, daughter, and sister, a kind and loyal friend, a superb sportsperson and teammate, and a caring, dedicated teacher. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.
"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.
"Her partner, Ciarán, her parents, David and Yvonne, and her sisters, Emma and Grace, and extended family would like to sincerely thank everyone for the overwhelming love and support they have received from both home and abroad".
The GoFundMe has raised a whopping €132,590 so far, soaring past it's initial goal of €10,000.

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