Órla was battling Pleuropulmonary Blastoma (PPB), which is extremely rare amongst children
Little three-year-old Órla Shealy.
Tears are flowing across Ireland and further afield following the death of a little three year-old girl who was battling a very rare illness.
Órla Shealy, who was diagnosed with a rare and extremely aggressive form of cancer in April, passed away on Friday November 14, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. Órla’s parents, Eamonn and Úna, are living in Australia but are from Co. Cork.
Órla, who just celebrated her third birthday in September, was battling Pleuropulmonary Blastoma (PPB), which is extremely rare amongst children. Eamonn and Úna, received little Órla’s heartbreaking diagnosis days after welcoming a new baby girl called Éireann. At the time, the family was told, including little Órla, there were only 115 documented cases of PPB in children in the world.
Mum Úna paid tribute to her 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.
“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.”
Úna added: “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”.
Brave little Órla Shealy.
Friends and family have been paying tribute to “little angel” Órla, whose funeral is set to take place tomorrow.
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.”
While another said: “What a beautiful little girl. Sending love &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.
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