Tributes have been paid to 12-year-old Freya Tobin at her funeral mass today in Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Newcastle, Tipperary.
Mourners filled the church today at midday to pay tribute to local girl Freya Tobin, who tragically lost her life after getting into difficulty while swimming on Friday evening, July 11.
Claire Moloney, the Principal of Scoil Mhuire in Newcastle where Freya had just finished sixth class, first read a heartfelt message from Freya’s Mom, Shannen.
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“12 years ago a precious little angel was sent to me. A beautiful dark haired little baby with the most beautiful piercing blue eyes. 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 families 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’m so proud of how much love she brought to everyone, no matter where she was and 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.
“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. This was shown through her love for all of the children in the village. Last Friday, our world came crashing down when our angel was taken from us.
“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.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who helped us at this sad time. Especially the emergency services, the air ambulance, the staff at CUH and all of the people who risked their lives to save Freya.
“We’d also like to thank Fr Toomey, Mrs Moloney and all of the staff of Scoil Mhuire, who held a beautiful memorial service in honour of Freya, and helped to organise her funeral mass.
“Most of all I’d like to thank our neighbours and the whole community of Newcastle, who came together and showed outstanding love and support. You all took the pressure off of us at this unbearable 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 but our hearts were not. Now we need you to keep me strong, as we have always done for you. Love always, Mom.”
Celebrant of the mass Fr Michael Toomey spoke of Freya’s best friend Sean, saying that you rarely saw one without the other.
Sean got up to pay tribute to his dear friend, saying: “Freya was a wonderful person inside and out and I have no idea why she was taken from us, but God must have needed and angel and he couldn’t have chosen a better one.
“Freya could make me laugh at any time, I mean belly laughs, at the most random things. That’s just the kind of person she was.
“Anyone would have been so lucky to have her as a friend and I will be forever grateful to God for my best-friend. I have so many great memories with Freya, way too many to count.
“We were both always told by everyone that you would never see one of us without the other, and they were not wrong. She was like my other half and I really don’t know what I’m going to do without her.
“This is something I never imagined any of us would be facing. All of our hearts are broken, we all need to take some comfort now that Freya is in heaven with her loved ones that went before her.
“There will never be any dull moment with Freya up there and that’s for sure. Nothing will ever replace our friendship, you don’t know how much I miss you already Freya.”
“I want to say thanks to Freya’s Mom Shannen, and Freya’s Nanny and Grandad and 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.”
Symbols of Freya’s life were brought up to the alter and included a packet of jelly’s, a teddy bear, candles belonging to her late great-grandmother, her make up, Ariana Grande perfume and a picture collage of happier times.
Fr Michael Toomey said he was touched by a story about a bracelet Freya had been wearing.
“I was very touched by the story that Shannen and Trina gave me the other day. They were recently in Saint Mary’s in Clonmel at a retreat, and during one of the beautiful ceremonies, Shannen got a bracelet of Saint Benedict. It was blessed that day and Freya wore it ever since. The bracelet of Saint Benedict was with Freya on Friday July 11 and was with her when she was taken to Cork hospital where she sadly passed away.
“July 11 ironically is the feast day of Saint Benedict. Perhaps through his intercession we pray to him to continue to look after Freya as he cared for her on his feast day last Friday.”
Fr Michael Toomey then thanked the community for rallying around Freya’s family during this trying time, the emergency services who helped on Friday and asked her friends to reach out for support.
“Be kind to yourself. Forgive yourself for any perceived mistakes or shortcomings. You deserve compassion and understanding, especially during this difficult time.
“Seek help. Talk to anyone of us who will be there for you in these days and most importantly, talk to one another as you have been doing, and to your parents, teachers, or coaches. Or even me.” he said.
Freya was laid to rest at the new cemetery, Mollough.
