‘A laugh that was contagious' – Heartbroken mum & best friend of girl, 12, who died in swim tragedy pay funeral tribute
Freya Tobin, who was described as "funny, happy and caring" at the emotional mass today,
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Freya passed away on Friday July 11
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The young girl was laid to rest in her home town today
Credit: RIP Collect
Freya's mass was a sea of bright colours, upon the
She is survived by her "heartbroken" mother Shannen, dad Eddie and his family, brothers Grayson and Eddie, sister Stephanie Lee.
She will also be missed by her grandparents Nanna Triona & her partner Tom, Grandad OJ & his partner Colleen, her aunts, uncles and extended family.
She will also be deeply missed by her best friends Sean, Emily and Charlotte.
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Symbols of her life, including a packet of jellies, a teddy bear, makeup and her Ariana Grande perfume, were brought forward, while songs from Disney's Tangled movie and pop singer Dean Lewis filled the church.
In an emotional tribute read at the beginning of the mass on behalf of Freya's mum Shannen, she asked her daughter to help keep her "strong".
Shannen said: "I named her Freya after the goddess of love and beauty, and by God did she honour that name. She instantly filled my and my family's life with so much love.
"Her funny, happy and caring personality only grew stronger as each year passed. She was not only my daughter, but my best friend and my rock. She shone a light even on the darkest of days.
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"I was so proud of how much love she brought to everyone, no matter where she was. And I'll never forget the way that Freya would light up a room just by entering it.
"The brightness she brought would never fade. I loved her strong will, which allowed her to express how she felt. She was the best big sister to Grayson."
She continued: "You'd always hear Freya before you'd see her. Always singing and dancing to Tupac and Eminem.
"She had a laugh that was so contagious and you couldn't help but laugh with her and this was shown through her love for all of the children in this village.
Anyone would have been so lucky to have known Freya and I will be forever grateful to God for my best friend."
Sean, Freya's best friend
"Last Friday, our world came crashing down when our angel was taken from us so suddenly. Though we will never make sense of a tragedy like this, we can honour Freya by carrying her spirit with us through our memories and our love for one another."
Shannen thanked the
And she issued a special thanks to the community who have rallied around them in their grief.
Her tribute read: "You all took the pressure off of us at this unfavourable time and we will be forever grateful. This gave us great comfort and it also reflected the love the community had for Freya.
"Freya, your wings were ready. Now I need you to keep me strong as I have always done for you."
'I'M GOING TO MISS YOU SO MUCH'
Freya's brave pal Sean also addressed the funeral congregation as he paid tribute to his best friend.
The young man said: "I have no idea why she was taken from us, but God must have made a decision and he couldn't have chosen anyone.
"Freya could make me laugh at any time, and I mean belly laugh at most random things because that's just the kind of person that she was.
"Anyone would have been so lucky to have known Freya and I will be forever grateful to God for my best friend.
"I have so many great memories with Freya, actually way too many to count.
"We were both always told by everyone that she would never see one of us without the other, and they were not wrong. She was like my other half.
"All of our hearts are broken."
Sean added: "Nothing will ever replace that friendship. You don't know how much I miss you already, Freya.
"I want to say thanks to Freya's mum Shannen, and Freya's nanny and grandad and her family for always welcoming me and being so kind.
"I'm going to miss you so much, Freya. Goodbye, and I'll never forget you. From your dear friend, Sean."
'THIS IS NOBODY'S FAULT'
Parish priest Fr Michael Toomey addressed the church congregation asking them not to blame themselves for the tragedy, telling how the "what if" question is just a natural part of the grieving process.
Fr Toomey said: "It's natural to experience regret and feelings of what if after a friend's death, especially if you feel you could have done something differently.
"These feelings often stem from guilt and a desire to change the past.
"So it's important for you to acknowledge that you did the best you could with the really challenging circumstances that you had to deal with at the time."
He added: "This is nobody's fault. It is just what it is, a tragic accident.
"But there is a natural human desire to undo or change negative events, particularly when it involves the death of a loved one.
"But lads, this is impossible And dwelling on it can be detrimental to your own healing."
"It's okay to feel regret and guilt, but it's also important to recognise that you did the best you could at the time.
"Try to balance those regrets with positive aspects of your friendship. at the time you had regret."
'BRIGHT LIGHT HAS GONE OUT'
Freya was laid to rest in the new cemetery in Mollough following the 12pm mass.
She had reposed at her home in Newcastle on Tuesday evening before a private house this morning and her family requested any donations, if desired to be made to River Rescue.
Tributes have poured in from across the country from both friends, family, neighbours and even complete strangers.
One Tipperary mother wrote: "Shannen I'm devastated for you and your family, I know the bond between mother and daughter especially your first born.
"Freya was loved by you more than words can describe, god gave her the best mammy to take care of her and you gave her a life full of love.
"She will be with you every step of the way, may she give you the strength to get through this, you'll always be in my thoughts."
And a Waterford mum said: "A bright light has gone out in Tipperary and indeed the whole of Ireland with the loss of this beautiful young girl.
"That light is now shining in heaven. The tragic passing of Freya is devastating for all who knew and loved her."
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