Tributes paid to talented camogie star, 18, who died ‘unexpectedly’ in hospital

Tributes have been paid to a young Cork camogie player who has passed away unexpectedly in hospital earlier this week.

Sarah Kate O’Meara from Gurranabraher passed away peacefully at the Mater Hospital in Dublin on Monday after suddenly falling ill. She was just 18 and was a Leaving Cert student at Mount Mercy College in the city.

The young woman was a talented athlete and a member of Carraig na bhFear AC and Glen Rovers GAA, with the wider sporting community heartbroken following her death.

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Glen Rovers Camogie Club paid tribute to their rising young player. Announcing her death this week a spokesperson for the club said Sarah Kate was “a cherished member of our club. Our hearts are broken but we will never forget her and her spirit in our camogie family.”

The club added it was “devastated to announce the untimely death” of the “beloved player.” A book of condolence is open in the Club Bar for those who wish to pay their respects.

The Cork Athletics County Board have also extended their condolences and deepest sympathies to the O’Meara family and paid tribute saying it was “with great regret and sadness” that it learned of her passing.

Carrig na bhFear AC said: “Sarah Kate’s untimely death has left the entire club and wider community devastated Sarah Kate was a talented athlete who was always full of life and laughter and it is hard to comprehend her loss.

“Sister of members Grace, Isobel and Emily, and friend to so many, Sarah Kate’s numerous athletic achievements in the white and green singlet include All-Ireland Cross Country Bronze and Munster Indoor Silver medals. Sarah Kate was also an important member of the Glen Rovers Camogie Club and we know that they too will be feeling incredible pain and sadness.

“Everyone at Carraig na bhFear AC sends their love and condolences to Diann, Tony, and the O’Meara family and Sarah Kate’s wide circle of friends at this immensely sad time.”

Sarah Kate was also involved in Hut Youth Project CDYS, a youth organisation based in Gurranabraher, and the group were among those to pay tribute to the talented athlete.

“We would like to express our condolences and sadness on hearing of the passing of Sarah Kate O’Meara,” they wrote in a Facebook post.

“Sarah Kate was a past member of The Hut Youth Project and was involved in our rap, beats & song writing group with Garry & Joe. Below is a track that Saran Kate was part of creating in 2018.

“Our condolences to all her family & friends, in particular her brother James, who is a current member of our art group at The Hut with Megan & Suzie. Our thoughts are with you all. R.I.P”

Sarah Kate’s funeral mass is set to take place on Saturday morning at the Church of the Ascension in Gurranabraher. Her funeral notice reads that she died with her loving family by her side. She is missed by her parents Tony and Diann, her loving siblings Emily, Isobel, James and Grace, her beloved grandparents Kathleen O’Leary and Eileen O’Meara, her heartbroken wider family, uncles, aunts, cousins, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

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