Profound sadness at sudden passing of former Meath ladies footballer in Australia
December 19, 2025
The late Sarah Halpenny in action for Dee Ranger
Meath LGFA has led the tributes to their former player Sarah Halpenny, who has died suddenly in Melbourne.
The 29-year-old, who is a native of Lobinstown in the north of the county, moved to Australia a few years ago and was teaching at the Sacred Heart Primary School in St Albans, Melbourne. She was previously a member of the teaching staff at Kingscourt National School in Co. Cavan.
Sarah began her ladies football career with Dee Rangers and went on to win a Leinster U16 title as a wing back with Meath in 2012. She had continued to line out with St Kevin's GAA in Melbourne.
“It is with a very heavy heart and sadness that we share the passing of our friend, colleague and team-mate, Sarah Halpenny," St Kevin's said in a social media post.
“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 workrate.”
A post on Meath LGFA's Facebook page read: "Meath LGFA extends its deepest sympathies to the Halpenny family on the heartbreaking passing of Sarah Halpenny.
"Beloved daughter of David and Yvonne, cherished sister to Emma and Grace, and much-loved partner of Ciaran, Sarah was a proud Meath footballer who represented her county with distinction and commitment from a young age.
"Sarah wore the green and gold at several underage grades, including as part of the 2012 Meath U16 panel.
"Her football journey continued at club level with Dee Rangers, where she played from a young age and was part of recent Division 1 and Division 2 championship-winning teams. More recently, Sarah brought her love of the game abroad, representing St Kevin’s GAA in Melbourne, where she joined in 2023 and quickly became a valued member of the club.
"Sarah’s loss is felt deeply across Meath LGFA and the wider GAA community. She will be remembered for her passion for football, her sportsmanship, and the warmth she brought to every team she was part of.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam."
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