Irish nurse tragically dies in Australia days after arriving to see her sister
A 23 year-old County Louth ladies footballer has died suddenly in Australia after a short illness.
Recently qualified nurse Marie Claire Rogers passed away in a Sydney hospital last Monday morning
Ms. Rogers arrived in Australia several days before her passing to visit her sister Heather, who has been on a year's break there with friends.
It is understood that she took ill on Friday, only a few days after she had landed in Australia and her condition deteriorated over the weekend.
Her devastated parents Andrew and Mary were on the long journey out to see her but she sadly passed away.
Friends say she wasn't feeling well on Friday and went to see the doctor. The medic did a blood test and discovered she had leukaemia.
She was immediately taken into hospital for urgent treatment but her condition seriously deteriorated over the weekend and she sadly died.
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 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 is also holding an evening of remembrance in honour of Maire Claire.
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 friend, 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.
The family have also been given consular assistance by Irish Department Foreign Affair officials in Sydney.
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