A community in County Tipperary is in shock and mourning following the tragic death of a 12-year-old girl in a swimming accident on the River Suir.
Freya Tobin, a recent sixth class graduate from Scoil Mhuire in Newcastle, got into difficulty due to strong currents while swimming at a popular local spot off the Suir Blueway around 4:20pm yesterday afternoon.
The incident occurred as a group of young girls were playing at the riverside near Newcastle village, which is located roughly halfway between Cahir and Clonmel. It is understood that two of the girls encountered trouble in the water, with Freya being pulled under by the current.
The alarm was raised when one of them did not make it back to land. Freya was airlifted by Rescue 117 to Cork University Hospital in a serious condition. Sadly, she was later pronounced dead.
A prayer service was held at 12pm today at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Newcastle, where hundreds of community members gathered to pay their respects. Scoil Mhuire has opened its doors to pupils, families, and staff today to offer space for reflection and support during this difficult time.
As a mark of respect, a local family fun day scheduled for this weekend has been cancelled.
