Sad to report the passing of former Meath and Dee Ranger footballer Sarah Halpenny. Meath LGFA and her club St. Kevin’s GAC took to social media to pay tribute to Sarah.

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. Lining out at half back Sarah was part of the Meath team that won the 2012 Leinster Under 16 Final.

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.

St. Kevin’s GAC

It is with a very sad heart and sadness that we share the passing of our friend, colleague and team mate Sarah Halpenny.

St. Kevin’s GAC would like to extend our deepest condolences to Sarah’s parents, Yvonne and David, her sisters, Emma and Grace, and her partner, Ciaran. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sarah’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

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.

Beautiful inside and out, 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 Hugh 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.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

A 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.

Click HERE to donate

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