TRIBUTES have been paid to a young girl who died after getting into difficulty while swimming in the River Suir in Tipperary yesterday.
She has been named locally as 12-year-old Freya Tobin.
The young girl was airlifted to hospital in “serious condition” but later passed away.
Gardai and the National Ambulance Service attended the scene around 4.20pm.
Fire crews from the swift water rescue team at Clonmel Fire Station were also present at the river in Newcastle.
The Coast Guard’s Rescue 117 helicopter rushed the young girl to Cork University Hospital, where she passed away.
Parish Priest Administrator for the parish of Ardfinnan, Ballybacon, Fourmilewater, Grange and Newcastle, Fr Michael Toomey, said it was a “terrible loss in this awful tragedy”.
He said: “Sometimes no words seem adequate when a tragedy like what happened in our parish in Newcastle today occurs. No words can give comfort at this time.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family tonight who have suffered a terrible loss in this awful tragedy.
“Speaking with them this evening I know they are so grateful to all of the emergency services and to everyone who helped them in any way.
“Our local school, Scoil Mhuire Newcastle has already been in touch to help the entire school community and to be there for everyone at this time.
“Support will be offered in the school tomorrow and in the coming days.”
The local priest said a prayer service will take place today in her memory.
He said: “There will be a prayer service at 12 noon on Saturday in Our Lady of the Assumption in Newcastle for all of her friends, family and indeed the entire village and surrounding areas as we all come together to support one another in our grief and to offer prayers for her family
“Please, look out for one another in these days, and don’t be afraid to look for help and support in the coming days. May she rest in peace.”
Independent TD Mattie McGrath said the community is “sending all our love and prayers”.
In a statement a garda spokesperson confirmed: “She was airlifted by Rescue 117 to Cork University Hospital in a serious condition.
“She has since passed away.
“A file will be prepared for the Coroner’s Court.
“Investigations ongoing.”
