'I need you to keep me strong', says mother of drowning victim (12) at funeral

Freya Tobin (12) died tragically in the River Suir in Newcastle village on Friday July 11th last.

As mourners all wearing bright colours in line with the family’s wishes entered the church they were welcomed by Newcastle Parish Priest Fr Michael Toomey Spiritan priest Fr Bernie Frawley.

To the music of ‘Footprints in the Sand’ memories of Freya’s life were brought to the alter including a packet of Jelly’s flowers ,a family picture and make-up.

In a eulogy at the start of Mass Freya’s mam Shannon said Freya was’’ named after the Goddess of beauty and she certainly lived up to that’’

She said Freya ‘’would light up any room with her personality… she was my rock and my best friend.

"She loved all the children in the village and we will carry on her loving spirit’’.

She concluded her remarks by saying ‘’Freya I need you to keep me strong’’.

Her mother also thanked the emergency services, Cork University Hospital, all those who risked their lives to save Freya as well as the principal and staff of the local primary school and Parish priest Fr Toomey.

In his homily Fr Toomey spoke of a bracelet Freya wore of Saint Benedict. He said when Fraya was taken to University Hospital Cork she had that Bracelet on her. Ironically the day she died Friday July 11th was the feast of Saint Benedict.

Fr Toomey spoke of Freya’s contribution to her school as chair of the student council her kindness to he fellow pupils in the playground. Addressing the congregation on the grieving process he said ‘’it is natural to feel the grieving process.

"This is nobody’s fault, it is a tragic accident’’. Addressing the children he said ‘’it is alright to cry. I encourage anyone who is overwhelmed not to ignore your feelings and seek help if you need to’’.

"You cannot change the past but live your life to the fullest. Do so to make Freya proud of you because she thought a lot of you all’’.

Freya is survived by her mother Shannen, dad Eddie and his family, brothers Grayson and Eddie, sister Stephanie Lee.

Freya’s remains were interred afterwards in the new cemetery in Mollough near Newcastle.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 16th