Marie Claire Rogers: 24-year-old Co Louth nurse dies suddenly in Australia

Keen footballer and nurse Marie Claire Rogers passed away in a Sydney Hospital

A 23-year-old Co Louth woman has died suddenly in Australia following a short illness.

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

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 that she took ill shortly after she had landed in Australia and her condition deteriorated in the past week.

Her parents Andrew and Mary flew out to see her but she sadly passed away.

The Togher and Annagassen area of Co Louth has been left devastated by her tragic passing.

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 Sidney, 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."

In a tribute on social media one friend 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 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."

Both the Louth Ladies Gael Football Association and Camogie communities expressed their heartbreak and sadness at Marie Claire's death.

“Marie Claire passed away suddenly after taking ill in Sydney, Australia while on holidays visiting her sister Heather. She was just 23 year old.

"Marie Claire was a valued member of the Togher club and was a previous captain of the ladies team.

"As well as herself and her three sisters, her father Andrew is very well known and respected in GAA and Athletics circles.

"As a mark of respect all club activities in the Finbarrs and St Annes Clubs have been suspended until tomorrow ( Wednesday).

"This evening ( Tuesday) a remembrance gathering is being held in John Markey Park in Ballygassan from 7.30pm."

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

A Go Fund page for the family has also been set up.

Note: This copy was amended to correct Ms Rogers age from 24 to 23-years-old.

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