'Beautiful girl' tributes as ‘amazing’ Irish nurse, 23, dies suddenly 2 weeks after flying to Australia for family visit

All club activities have been suspended until tomorrow

COMMUNITY HEARTACHE ‘Beautiful girl’ tributes as ‘amazing’ Irish nurse, 23, dies suddenly 2 weeks after flying to Australia for family visit

A 23-YEAR-OLD Louth woman has died suddenly in Australia after a short illness.

Keen Gaelic footballer and nurse Marie Claire Rogers passed away in a Sydney Hospital on Monday morning.

3 Marie Claire Rogers sadly passed away in Australia yesterday

3 The young woman was a keen football player

She had only flown to Oz two weeks previously for a holiday to see her sister Heather, who has been living down under.

It is understood she was skydiving with her sister and friends on Wednesday and took ill on Friday, with her condition deteriorating over the weekend.

Her parents Andrew and Mary had only flown out to see her but she sadly passed away.

The whole seaside Togher and Annagassen area of County Louth is devastated by her tragic death.

Maire Claire played Gaelic football with her local Naomh Fionnbarra club and her dad is also a prominent ladies football referee in the Wee County.

Heather had been living in Sydney for a year or so with a group of friends from the Togher area.

In a statement published on Facebook Naomh Fionnbarra said: " Our club and community are beyond shocked and saddened at the sudden passing of our cherished club member and friend Marie Claire Rogers in Sydney, Australia.

"As her many friends , team mates, and colleagues come to terms with the devastating news, we offer our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the extended Rogers and Osbourne families both at home and abroad.

"As a mark of respect to Marie Claire and her family, all club activities are suspended until 12 noon on Wednesday.

"Marie Claire's passing has brought a wave of sorrow and grief across the community.

"Offers and messages of support have been pouring in and are greatly appreciated."

The club was also holding an evening of remembrance in honour of Maire Claire.

'HER WHOLE LIFE AHEAD OF HER'

In a tribute on social media one friend, Derek Rath wrote: "Maire Claire was an AMAZING nurse and colleague.

"Maire Claire was the type of nurse that if you saw her in the ward you knew you would have a good day.

"RIP Marie Claire I have nothing but amazing memories of you."

Another Emily Doye said: "My heart goes out to Marie Claire's family and friends at this devastating news, such a beautiful young girl with her whole life ahead of her."

Apart from her parents, Marie Claire is survived by her sisters Frances, Grace and Heather.

A Go Fund Me page for the family has also been set up, with over €50,000 already raised.

Organisers said: "As many of you know, our beloved Marie Claire Rogers tragically passed away unexpectedly while on holiday in Australia.

"This GoFundMe page has been created for those who would like to support with travel costs for her family and boyfriend as they accompany Marie Claire on her final journey home to Ireland, and help them navigate the many unexpected challenges that come with such an overwhelming loss.

"On behalf of the family, they would like to sincerely thank everyone for the incredible love and support they have received."

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