Girl (12) who died in Co Tipperary swimming tragedy was filled with 'love and beauty', funeral hears
The 12-year-old girl from the village Newcastle had been swimming in the river Suir last Friday when tragedy struck and despite efforts by locals, emergency services and Cork University medical staff Freya died.
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At the start of her Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Newcastle Claire Moloney, Principal of Scoil Mhuire Caisleán Nun on behalf of Freya's mother Shannen spoke about the impact her young daughter had on her life.
Ms Moloney detailed how 12 years ago a 'precious little angel was sent' to Shannen.
'A beautiful dark haired little baby with the most beautiful piercing blue eyes. I named her Freya after goddess of love and beauty and by God did she honour that name. She instantly filled mine and my family's life with so much love. Her funny, happy and caring personality only grew stronger as each year passed,' Ms Moloney told mourners.
She continued: 'Freya was not only my daughter but my best friend and my rock. She shun like a light even on the darkest of days. I was so proud of how much love she brought to everyone no matter where she was.
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"I'll never forget the way Freya would light up a room just by entering it. The brightness she brought will never fade. I loved her strong will which allowed her to express how she felt.
"She was the best big sister to Grayson, always looking out for him even though they fought like cats and dogs.'
Ms Moloney recounted how last Friday the world of Freya's family came crashing down when 'our angel was taken from us so suddenly.
"Although we will never make sense of a tragedy like this, we can honor Freya by carrying her spirit with us through our memories and our love for one another.'
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Freya's school principal went on to thank all who helped the unbearable emergency services, Air Ambulance Cork University Hospital and all who risked their lives. Her national school management, staff and pupils, and Fr Michael Toomey, neighbours and friends.
Those gathered in the church were told how Freya had a side-kick called Sean and he paid tribute to his friend.
'Freya was a wonderful person inside and out. I have no idea why she was taken from us but God must have really needed her. Freya could make me laugh at any time and I mean belly laugh I mean at the most random things. I have great memories, actually too many to count,' he said.
'She was like my other half. I actually don't know what I am going to do without her. This is not something I thought I would be facing.
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"There will be so much fun up there (heaven) Nothing will ever replace our friendship. Goodbye and I'll never forget you from your dear friend Sean.'
Symbols of Freya's life including a packet of jellies, a teddy bear with candles belonging to her late great grandmother. make-up, music by Ariana Grande and a picture collage were presented to the congregation.
Fr Michael Toomey, Parish Priest Administrator for the parish of Ardfinnan, Ballybacon, Fourmilewater, Grange and Newcastle added: 'There are times in life that we are left speechless. A journey of emotions in the days ahead. For some of us it has not yet hit us that Freya is gone. Why did Freya (had to die)?, I have no satisfactory answers to that. Nothing I can say to reverse that process. It all seems wrong. The reason you feel this way is because you love her.'
Mourners heard that Freya was a bright, kind, spirited young person. 'She made a lasting impression on everyone she knew. It is ok to cry.
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"This is nobody's fault, it was a tragic accident. Don't try to suppress feelings, dwelling what could have been will not help the healing. She thought the world of you all.
'We are all immensely proud of how you have handled this. To Shannen and Eddie, I can't offer you any answers. To lose a child is surely one of the most painful experiences anyone has to endure. Maybe she was just too good for this world,' Fr Toomey concluded.
As her white coffin was carried from the church the Dean Lewis song, 'How Do I Say Goodbye' was played as she was brought to be laid to rest in the new cemetery, in Mollough, Co Tipperary.
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