A fundraiser is underway as a Tipperary community rallies to support the family of a “bright” and “gentle” girl who died after getting into difficulty in the River Suir while swimming with friends on Friday.
The child, who has been named locally as Freya Tobin, 12, was swimming at a spot along the Suir Blueway in the village of Newcastle when she got into difficulty. Freya was airlifted to Cork University Hospital, but passed away. It is understood that the former sixth class student at the Social Mhuire Caisleán Nua National School had been swimming with a number of friends when she got into difficulty at about 4.20pm.
A number of local boys dived into the water to help when a friend raised the alarm; the spot where the girls were swimming is known to have strong currents.
Independent Councillor in the area, Máirín McGrath, paid tribute to Freya on Saturday ahead of a special prayer service in Newcastle Church. Scoil Mhuire, where Freya was a pupil,opened its doors for any students, staff, or families in need of somewhere to gather and seek support.
Cllr McGrath said that the news had “stopped everyone in their tracks” and had “left our entire community heartbroken.”
“A dark cloud of sorrow hangs over our village of Newcastle on this most beautiful day.” Cllr McGrath wrote.
“The tragic loss of Freya Tobin, a lovely girl who was known across the village for her warm smile and outgoing personality, is something we will all struggle to come to terms with, especially her loving family and large circle of friends.
“We are thinking of the many young people who are grieving today, and especially her friends that were all enjoying the summer sun on the banks of the River Suir yesterday. Please know that support is available and you are not alone.
“As a community we are also deeply grateful to the emergency services and all who responded with such care and professionalism.
“In the days ahead, may we continue to support one another with kindness and compassion, as Newcastle always does in times of difficulty. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”
Local priest Fr Michael Toomey, who organised a prayer service for Freya, said that “no words seem adequate” in the wake of the tragedy.
A fundraiser seeking to raise funds for Freya’s funeral expenses has so far raised thousands of euros. On the GoFundMe appeal, her family wrote: “On the 11th July, our lives drastically changed forever. What should have been another day of summer holiday fun turned into an unimaginable nightmare. In what can only be described as a tragic and utterly devastating event, our beloved Freya drowned in the River Suir while swimming with her dear friend Emily.
‘THE KINDEST, MOST GENTLE SOUL’
“Freya was the kindest, most gentle soul to grace the community of Newcastle. There wasn’t a single person who did not know her name, nor whom she wouldn’t have said hello to when passing through the village. She touched the hearts of every single person that had the pleasure of knowing her, and you couldn’t help but leave her company with a smile on your face. The biggest smile of all being on the face of her biggest admirer, her little brother Grayson.
“I speak for so many when I say she has made us laugh uncontrollably throughout the years with her sense of humour. You couldn’t possibly be a friend to her mother Shannen, auntie Amber, uncle Dylan without being Freya’s friend also. Her presence was magnetic and this is shown by just how many friends she has made for herself in our community and beyond. It’s safe to say she had all of us wrapped around her finger – but particularly, her nanny Catríona and grandad OJ.
“Her death leaves behind a wave of deep sorrow and regret. The kind that such a small community will never truly recover from. In light of this, we want to come together as a community and help the Tobin family cover the costs of Freya’s funeral. I hope we can rally together and give Shannen one less thing to worry about in these horrifically, troubling times.”
Clonmel TD Mattie McGrath described the schoolgirl as a “bright, kind, and spirited young girl who brought joy to all who knew her.”
“Her smile, her warmth, and her presence will be deeply missed by everyone in our village, especially by her loving family, her school friends in Scoil Mhuire, and all the young people who shared her journey through life,” he said.
“A terrible sadness has descended upon our close-knit community of Newcastle following the heartbreaking news of the loss of young Freya Tobin. On what should have been a joyful summer’s day, we are instead united in grief, disbelief, and sorrow.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy that has shaken us to our core. My thoughts and prayers, and those of our entire community, are with Freya’s family and all those who loved her.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the emergency services, first responders, and all who attended the scene with such dignity, professionalism, and care.
“To the many young people who were present or affected yesterday—please reach out, speak to someone, and know that you are not alone. Supports are in place and this community is here for you.
“In the coming days, let us all lean on one another, uphold each other, and offer the gentleness and strength that makes Newcastle such a special place. Freya, may your gentle soul rest in peace.”
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