Farewell to Freya: Heartfelt Tributes Paid to 12-Year-Old at Funeral Mass in Co Tipperary

 Newcastle, Co Tipperary – July 16: The village of Newcastle stood in solemn unity on Wednesday as hundreds gathered at Our Lady of the Assumption Church to bid a tearful farewell to 12-year-old Freya Tobin, whose tragic passing last week has left an entire community in mourning.

Freya, a vibrant sixth-class student of Scoil Mhuire Caisleán Nua National School, tragically lost her life after getting into difficulty while swimming in the River Suir on Friday, July 11. Despite the swift response of emergency services, including Gardaí, the National Ambulance Service, and Clonmel Fire Station’s swift water rescue unit, she was airlifted to Cork University Hospital by the Irish Coast Guard’s Rescue 117 helicopter, where she later passed away.

At her funeral Mass, Freya’s heartbroken mother, Shannen, delivered an emotional tribute through a family friend, describing her daughter as a “precious angel” who “shone a light even on the darkest of days.”

“12 years ago, a beautiful, dark-haired baby with piercing blue eyes was sent to me. I named her Freya, after the goddess of love and beauty—and she truly lived up to that name,” Shannen’s message read.

Freya’s white coffin was carried into the packed church by mourners, with her school friends forming a guard of honour holding colourful balloons. A photo of Freya’s radiant smile adorned the coffin, while the altar displayed a collage of her happiest moments.

“She was not only my daughter, but my best friend and my life,” Shannen said. “She brought joy wherever she went—singing, dancing, and laughing. She was the best big sister to Grayson, fiercely protective, and always full of life.”

Freya’s best friend, Sean, also addressed the congregation in an emotional tribute: “Freya could make me laugh at the most random things. She was like my other half, and I don't know what I’ll do without her. Anyone would have been lucky to know her.”

Among the symbols of Freya’s life brought to the altar were some of her favourite things: jelly sweets, makeup, and a collage of cherished memories.

Parish priest Fr Michael Toomey spoke of the profound loss felt throughout the community: “Freya, you left a lasting impression on all our hearts. We thank God for your beautiful, precious life. Rest now in peace.”

Freya is survived by her mother Shannen, father Eddie, siblings Grayson, Eddie, and Stephanie Lee, and a large extended family. Chief mourners also included her grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and close friends, who stood in shared grief and support.

In her message, Shannen extended heartfelt thanks to the emergency responders, the hospital staff at CUH, and the neighbours and wider Newcastle community for their overwhelming love and solidarity.

“You all took the pressure off us at this unbearable time,” she said. “This gave us great comfort and reflected the love Freya gave to everyone.”

Following the funeral Mass, Freya’s remains were laid to rest at the new cemetery in Mollough, where the community bid a final, tearful goodbye to a young girl remembered for her laughter, light, and boundless love.