Outpouring of tributes from rugby community in Clare for a teammate taken 'far too soon'

FROM Clare and Limerick to Australia, tributes are pouring in after the untimely loss of Sarsfields Rugby vice-captain and beloved friend, Sarah Lynch, who passed away suddenly in her sleep last Sunday.

Sarah from Carraig Hill, Shannon, Co Clare, made a lasting impact on the inclusive Sarsfields Rugby project, which transcended her role as vice-captain.

In a statement published to social media, a spokesperson for Sarsfields Rugby said: "Our vice-captain and dearest friend Sarah Lynch has been taken from us far too soon. We are devastated and still can’t fully comprehend that she won’t be egging us on and trying to bring out the best in us always."

It continued: "Sarah has been with Sarsfields since the beginning and will always and forever embody what it means to be a Sarsfielder. We will always hold you with us in everything we do".

A source of inspiration, Sarah was a teammate who exemplified dedication, passion, and sportsmanship. Her absence on the field will undoubtedly be felt deeply by her fellow players, coaches, and everyone associated with the project.

Gearóid Folan, president of Sarsfields Rugby, expressed his heartbreak, saying: "I'm not even sure what to say, it doesn't feel real. RIP Sarah".

A woman in her mid-20s, Sarah was a source of inspiration as a teammate who exemplified dedication, passion, and sportsmanship. Her absence on the field will undoubtedly be felt deeply by her fellow players, coaches, and everyone associated with the project.

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Beyond the rugby pitch, Sarah was a bright presence in the classrooms of St Patrick’s Comprehensive School. Edel McGuane, her former teacher, shared heartfelt condolences online, saying: "So sorry to hear of Sarah's passing. She was such a pleasant student to have in class. Always a bright smile and laugh. Sarah's family and all her friends are in my thoughts at this most heartbreaking time. May she rest in peace".

A spokesperson for St Patrick’s Comprehensive School also paid tribute to the Shannon girl: "Such heartbreaking news.
We have very fond memories of Sarah as a student in the Comp. Deepest condolences to her family and all who knew and loved her. May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace".

Also a dedicated colleague, Sarah was a senior coordinator of supply chain and logistics at Beckman Coulter Diagnostics since August 2022, and will be missed by those who worked alongside her.

Those who will deeply miss Sarah took to Instagram to share memories of the "unique, charming and beautiful lady": "We were looking through Sarsfields photos last night and Sarah is in all of them. Either bent over laughing or throwing her head back in laughter. What a woman, so full of life and positivity", said one grieving friend.

Another wrote: "I count myself exceptionally lucky to have had the genuine privilege of knowing you, Sarah. Thank you x".

Sarah is deeply missed by her heartbroken family, parents James and Josephine, brother David, sister Katie, sister-in-law Tara, brother-in-law Denis, her much loved niece Meadhbh, grandparents Jim and Kathleen, aunts and uncles Seanie, Michael, Kieran, Patrick, Cathy, Liz, Peter and Teresa, cousins, extended family and her many friends.

Reposing in McMahons Funeral Home, Shannon, this Wednesday, December 20, from 5pm to 6:30pm, funeral mass for Sarah will take place in Mary Immaculate Church, Shannon, on Thursday at 11am followed by cremation in Shannon Crematorium at 1pm.

The family have asked for family flowers only, however, donations can be made, if desired, to Limerick Animal Welfare.