Clodagh Phelan, an eleven-year-old who tragically lost her life following a fall from a Spanish hotel balcony in Majorca earlier this week, was remembered as an incredibly gifted young girl who was always ready and eager to excel at football with a radiant smile on her face. This statement was made by Clara LGFA, which is located in Laragh/Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, expressing the devastating news they never hoped to share.
The untimely loss of Clodagh has deeply impacted everyone in the club, as they stated their sadness at her passing. They acknowledged her not solely as an extraordinary football player, but as a valued member of their community who had exceptional talent across a variety of sports including GAA, rugby, camogie, and athletics. These were reflected in her on-field performance, they shared in a Facebook announcement.
The club lauded her as their fierce warrior who took great pride in donning her Clara jersey at every match. Her passion, vibrancy, and love for the game were sources of inspiration to everyone. Her constant positivity and joy were infectious, lighting up everyone around her.
Club management recounted how delightful it was to see Clodagh play, as her ability to understand and read the game was unparalleled. Her arrival was always cheerful, and she entered every match with enthusiasm and determination. The club also praised her lively and assertive personality, which was loved by all her coaches. Her spirit of sportsmanship was embodied through her constant cheering for her teammates.
Clodagh was described as a fierce player who was also incredibly caring, always determined to work hard and improve. She was admired for being an attentive listener who was keen to learn, and she had just the right mix of mischief and personality. Football was her passion, and she loved her teammates.
Her parents, Valerie and Liam Phelan, took immense pride in watching their daughter represent Clara in GAA. The club sends their deepest condolences to Clodagh’s parents, her brothers Will and David, her extended family, and her vast friendship circle, keeping them in their thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.
The club concluded by paying tribute to Clodagh and stating that she will forever be remembered and greatly missed.
Rathdrum Rugby Club has used Facebook to communicate their deep shock and sadness at the untimely death of Clodagh, their ‘little star’. The club expressed their heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Clodagh’s parents, Valerie and Liam, her brothers, Will and David, and the wider Phelan and Hobson families.
They remembered Clodagh as being in a ‘league of her own’, with enormous potential for a bright future. Clodagh had a unique blend of raw athleticism, talent, teamwork, and an unyielding desire to triumph. The club admired her not only as a prodigious rugby player, but also as an extraordinary young girl with a generous heart and delightful charm.
Rathdrum Rugby Club remembered back in April when Clodagh was part of a half-time demonstration match during a Six Nations Womens’ International at Musgrave Park. So impressive was Clodagh’s performance that the critical Munster Rugby Selection Panel crowned her as the Player of the Match – a fulfilling moment for both her family and the club.
As a community closely entwined with Clodagh and her family, her loss has left a devastating impact. The rugby club expressed their commitment to provide comfort and support to those affected by this heart-wrenching period of mourning. They declared that Clodagh’s contribution during her brief time with them would leave an enduring impression on Rathdrum RFC.