Órla was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer earlier this year
14:59, 18 Nov 2025Updated 15:08, 18 Nov 2025
Órla Shealy – RIP(Image: Órla Shealy The Magical Spark in Our Family)
Tributes are being paid across Ireland and abroad following the death of a Cork child who was battling a very rare illness.
Little Órla Shealy passed away peacefully on Friday November 14, 2025 at her home in Brisbane, Australia. She had celebrated her third birthday in September, and had been battling Pleuropulmonary Blastoma (PPB), which is a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer. Her parents Eamonn and Úna are from Glanmire and Cobh, and received Órla’s heartbreaking diagnosis just days after welcoming a new baby girl called Éireann in April this year. At the time, the family were told that – including little Órla – there were only 115 documented cases of PPB in children worldwide.
After her diagnosis, a major GoFundMe campaign was launched by Eamonn and Úna’s friends to support them throughout Órla’s cancer journey, which soon went viral – bringing in donations from around the world.
Little three-year-old Órla Shealy.
Dad Eamonn has paid tribute to his little girl on social media, describing how she lived “life to the full” and shared a picture that had been taken a week before little Órla passed away.
He wrote: “Our beautiful daughter Órla went to the angels in heaven – Australian time 14/11/25 at 0425. 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. Funeral details for next Wednesday 19th Nov 2025 to follow. ‘If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I’d walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again'”.
The young girl is dearly missed by her parents, sisters Clodagh and Éireann, 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, extended family and friends.
Friends and family have been paying tribute to “little angel” Órla, whose funeral is set to take place tomorrow.
The Shealy family – mom and dad Úna and Eamonn, with daughters Órla, Éireann and Clodagh(Image: Órla Shealy The Magical Spark in Our Family)
One friend wrote: “We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful little girl, she is now an angel in heaven with all our little angels. To Eammon, Una, sisters, Terry and Colette we will be thinking of ye on Wednesday and keeping you all in our prayers.”
Other family friends penned: “Sincere condolences to Eamonn, Una Clodagh and Eireann and Collette and Terry, all the family and extended family on the passing of beautiful Orla. May she rest in perfect peace. An angel who gave a great fight. May GOD help ye in the days to come. You’re in our thoughts and prayers at this very hard time.”
While another said: “What a beautiful little girl. Sending love and light, strength, and prayers to all who love her. Rest forever in your new heavenly home Orla. May you sleep peacefully in God’s arms.”
Órla’s Funeral Mass will take place at Holy Cross Church, Kippa-Ring, Brisbane, at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 19 (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 01.00 a.m. Wednesday November 19, 2025.