Tributes paid following tragic death of 'brave and bubbly' Irish girl who died in Australia

Tributes have poured in following the sad and tragic death of a little Irish girl who passed away in Australia last Friday.

Three-year-old Órla Shealy, tragically died following a brave battle with a very rare and aggressive form of cancer which she was diagnosed with in April.

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In a heartbreaking post on social media, Órla's grief stricken mother Úna said,

"Our Beautiful Daughter Órla went to the angels in Heaven Australian time 14/11/25 at 04.25. Just as the sun began to rise, Órla died peacefully in her own bed with mam and dad by her side. Órla fought an epic battle for seven months. This picture was taken a week ago on a jumping pillow, when despite everything, Órla was still living life to the full.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our family, friends, and communities in Australia and Ireland for their unwavering support."

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Little Órla had just celebrated her third birthday in September, suffered from Pleuropulmonary Blastoma (PPB), which is known to be extremely rare in children.

Órla's parents Úna and Éamonn received their little girl's gut-wrenching diagnosis just days after welcoming a new baby girl, Éireann. The family have lived in Brisbane, Australia for a number of years but are originally from Cork.

Órla died peacefully at home in Redcliffe, Brisbane, Australia, on 14th November 2025, surrounded by her Mam and Dad, Úna (nee Kelleher) and Eamonn Shealy and her sisters Clodagh and Éireann.

She is lovingly remembered by her grandparents John and Agnes Kelleher, and Terry and Colette Shealy; her aunts and uncles Andrew, Niamh, Margaret, Brendan, Siobhán, Robert-John, Johnny, Fiona, Jonathon, Terrence, and Florencia; her cousins John, Liam, Hannah, Eoin, Seán, Dáire, Sofia, Sienna, and Francesca; and by all her extended family and friends.

Heartfelt tributes have been left on RIP.ie, from those who wanted to pay their respects following her death, with one mourner writing,

"Sincere sympathies to Úna, Eamonn and the Kelleher & Shealy families. Think of you all at this most difficult time. A very brave and bubbly little girl with the most beautiful smile that will never be forgotten. RIP Órla."

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Another wrote,

"To Una, Eamonn, Clodagh, Eireann, John, Agnes, Andrew, Niamh, John and Liam and the extended Kelleher and Shealy families. Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to you all at this extremely difficult time. Orla’s incredible bravery and strength will stay with everyone forever more, a true warrior. May she have the best bed in heaven and may her beautiful soul rest in peace xx".

While another wrote,

"May this beautiful girl be the brightest star in the sky and always look down upon you all."

Funeral Arrangements

Funeral Mass will take place at Holy Cross Church, Kippa-Ring, Brisbane, at 11am on Wednesday, 19th November (AEST).

The service will be live-streamed at the following link: https://www.qualitymemorial.services/orla-shealy

For those joining from Ireland, the local time will be 1am Wednesday 19th November 2025.