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Sarah Halpenny, 29, from Lobinstown in Navan, was a highly respected teacher who previously taught at St Joseph’s National School in Kingscourt, Co Cavan, with the primary school leading tributes to the hugely popular educator
Heartfelt tributes have been pouring in for a ‘beautiful, talented and bright’ young woman from Co Meath who tragically passed away in Australia last weekend.
Sarah Halpenny, 29, hailing from Lobinstown in Navan, “passed away unexpectedly” in Melbourne on Sunday, as per a death notice posted on RIP.ie..
A highly esteemed teacher, Sarah had previously taught at St Joseph’s National School in Kingscourt, Co Cavan. The primary school led the tributes to the much-loved educator.
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In a poignant post shared on social media, a spokesperson for the school expressed: “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.
“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. 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 Irish Mirror.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
The heartfelt message prompted an overwhelming wave of tributes from parents whose children had been taught by the cherished educator.
One mourner wrote: “Deepest sympathies to Sarah’s family, partner and wide circle of friends on her sudden and deeply sad passing,”.
“Sarah was a wonderful teacher, she taught my daughter Mona in St.Josephs NS and got the kiddies all ready for first Holy communion. They all loved her gentle ways so much and so did the parents. She left a lasting impact on them all. She will be dearly missed by all. May she rest in heavenly peace. Thinking of you all at this tragic time.”
Sarah was also a talented gaelic footballer who proudly wore her county colours at youth level, notably featuring in the 2012 Meath U16 squad. The immensely popular figure represented Dee Ranger at club level in Meath and subsequently turned out for Melbourne-based GAA outfit St Kevin’s after relocating to Australia, where she worked at Sacred Heart Primary School in St Albans.
The club posted a heartfelt tribute on their Facebook page honouring Sarah, stating that “her loss will be felt by everyone she met, across two clubs and two continents”.
“It is with a very sad heart and sadness that we share the passing of our friend, colleague and team mate Sarah Halpenny,” they wrote.
“Sarah joined St Kevin’s in late 2023, and it didn’t take long for her to make her mark. On the field, she was an outstanding defender, determined, fearless in the tackle, and tireless in her work rate. She gave everything every time she pulled on the jersey.
“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. Sarah was a member of the team that won St Kevin’s first ever 7s title in 2025, as well as out Intermediate League, 9s and 11s competitions.”
The club praised the young Meath native as “beautiful inside and out,” adding that “Sarah was a kind, caring, a straight shooter, there was no sugar-coating with her, you knew where you stood, but it always came with a witty sense of humour and a great heart.
“She was a great listener, very organised, a brilliant planner, and someone who never wasted a moment, especially during the school holidays, always making the most of the time off booking trips, chasing the sun travelling with Ciaran. Sarah’s calm presence had a way of rubbing off on those around her, steadying and grounding people in moments big and small.
“Sarah made a huge impact in her professional life here in Melbourne. The children at sacred Heart primary School in St. Alban’s were incredibly lucky to have her. It was clear just how positive an influence Sarah was during her time working in Melbourne, on the students, on her colleagues, and on the wider school community.
“An inspiring big sister, Sarah was immensely proud of Grace and she often spoke of how she looked forward to going home last August and spending time with Grace and her parents.
“Whatever path she took, she knew Emma would follow, and when Emma arrived in Melbourne, she was welcomed so warmly because she was, in so many ways, an extension of Sarah herself. Sarah’s relationship with Ciaran was something truly special, a deep, loving partnership marked by kindness, devotion and a genuine readiness to do anything for one another. The love they shared was evident to all.
“Sarah’s loss will be felt by everyone she met, across two clubs and two continents, but the warmth she brought, the calm she shared and the love she gave will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.”
Sarah’s loved ones have rallied together to establish a GoFundMe page to cover the expenses of bringing the cherished teacher back to Ireland for her final journey. Any leftover funds will be donated to various causes and charities that held a special place in Sarah’s heart.
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