THE heartbroken parents of little Clodagh Phelan have confirmed that their "darling only daughter" will be laid to rest this weekend. The 11-year-old, from Co Wicklow , tragically lost her life after plunging from the seventh floor of a hotel in Majorca while holidaying with her family. The youngsters parents were said to be sleeping at the time of the tragedy, which took place at around 6:30am on Monday at the all-inclusive three-star Club Mac resort in Puerto de Alcudia.
Paramedics and other emergency responders tried without success to revive her but Clodagh was pronounced dead at the scene. Clodagh is deeply missed by her "heartbroken parents" Liam and Valerie and has been remembered as the "dearly loved sister" of Will and David. She will be "forever missed" by her devoted grandparents, aunts, uncles and her "many and much-loved" cousins.
The tragic 11-year-old, who was due to go into 6th class of primary school next month, is also deeply mourned by her schoolmates at St. Saviour's National School, her teammates on the "numerous sporting teams she was part of and a wide community of close and extended relatives, friends and neighbours." Clodagh's family today confirmed that their "little angel" will be reposing at her home tomorrow from 2pm to 8pm.
Her funeral service will take place at 12pm on Sunday in the Holy Trinity Church in Castlemacadam, Avoca. The mass will be followed by burial in Ballinatone Cemetary in Rathdrum. A notice online reads: "House strictly private on Sunday morning.
A recording of the Funeral Service will be available to view, details to follow. "Sleep in peace, Clodagh, our little angel." A floral tribute to the Wicklow schoolgirl has been created in front of her school in Rathdrum.
The movement was started by local parents after the community gathered at the sign welcoming people to the school this week. Dozens of flowers were laid at the sign alongside teddy bears and bracelets. Antoinette Doyle, Principal at St Saviours National School in Rathdrum, said that Clodagh was a “wonderful happy student who worked hard in school.
” She said: “Clodagh was always smiling and was loved by all throughout the school. She was a great friend to all her class and loved skipping and playing during break time. "Clodagh was a fantastic sportswoman and excelled at camogie, football, athletics, rugby, hockey to name but a few.
She was a beautiful singer and took on the lead singing part in our most recent Christmas play. "Her musical abilities shone as a member of our orchestra where she played the flute. Clodagh loved animals and loved caring for our hens & chicks in school.
” Clodagh was a keen sports player who shined on the pitch in hockey, rugby, football and camogie matches, with tributes telling how she possessed a "rare talent" with the skill of "pure athletic capability". Rathdrum Rugby club, where Clodagh played, recalled how earlier this year she played alongside them during a half time match at an Ireland Womens’ Six Nations game at Musgrave Park. They wrote: "Rathdrum Rugby club are stunned by the tragic passing of our little star Clodagh Phelan.
"Clodagh was truly a class apart with an outstanding future ahead of her. A rare talent with a combination of pure athletic capability, skill, sense of team, and as anyone who ever had the privilege to see her play will know well, a singular will to win the battle. "Above all Clodagh was just a fantastic little person with a massive heart and infectious personality.
"In April of this year, Clodagh joined her team for a half time exhibition match during an Ireland Womens’ Six Nations international at Musgrave Park. "Such was her performance that she has selected as Player of the Match by the discerning Munster Rugby Selection Panel. A proud moment for her family and the club.
" The club told how they are "devastated" by the loss of Clodagh and are standing united, "ready to offer solace and support" to all mourning the loss of the talented youngster. They added: "Clodagh’s legacy and impact in her short life will remain with Rathdrum RFC forever." Clara LGFA said they are "heartbroken" that Clodagh has been "taken from us so soon" and told how the entire club will mourn her deeply.
Paying tribute, they said: "Clodagh was not only a talented footballer but also a cherished member of our community. She excelled at so many sports in her life, including GAA, rugby, camogie, and athletics, always showing her remarkable abilities on and off the field. "She was our warrior on the field and showed how proud she was to put on her Clara jersey at every game.
"Her passion, energy, and love for the game inspired us all. She was always smiling, bringing joy and positivity to everyone around her. "Clodagh was a joy to watch, her skill in reading any game was second to none.
She always arrived with a smile from ear to ear, boots on, and ready to smash it on the field. "Clodagh's witty, confident character would make any of her coaches day. She encouraged her teammates no matter what, embodying the true spirit of sportsmanship.
"She had a perfect attitude. Clodagh was a ferocious competitor, never gave up, never stopped working. But she was also the kindest person you would ever meet.
"She listened, she wanted to learn, but she had the right amount of divilment and character in her too she loved playing football and she loved her teammates. Her parents Valerie and Liam took great pride in watching her play Gaa for Clara. "We send our love and strength to Clodagh's parents, Valerie and Liam, her brothers, Will and David, her extended family, and her wide circle of friends.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time. "Rest in peace, Clodagh. You will forever be in our hearts and missed dearly.
".
