The funeral of a young girl from Newbawn, Rathdrum, in Co Wicklow who tragically died via falling from a balcony during a family holiday in Spain, brought about much sorrow for the mother and the family as they lost their only daughter, described as a loving and beautiful child.
Clodagh Phelan, aged 11, suffered the unfortunate event in the early hours of Monday while her family was lodged in the Club Mac Hotel in the northeastern region of Majorca.
At the memorial service held at the Holy Trinity Church in Castlemacadam, Avoca one Sunday afternoon, her mother, Valerie Phelan, paid a heartfelt tribute before the crowd filled with friends and loved ones. Valerie spoke of Clodagh’s love for life, her sporting excellence, and her deep affection towards her family, teammates, and school.
Ms Phelan stated that Clodagh was a formidable competitor whether in sports or athletic events, but above all, she cherished the camaraderie of her teammates. She was a much-adored member of every team she played for, Ms Phelan said.
Several attendees at the service wore the colors of local sports clubs, including Rathdrum Rugby Club, Clara GAA, Wicklow Hockey Club, and Parnell Athletics Club. Others held roses of varying colours – yellow, white, and red.
St. Saviour’s National School, Rathdrum, where Clodagh studied, played a significant role at the funeral. Schoolteachers led her fellow students in singing and reciting poems during the service.
Valerie Phelan said of her daughter, “She was full of enthusiasm and looked forward to the everyday activities at her wonderful school.” She noted that the school was a place of joy for her.
Clodagh was also a supporter of Taylor Swift and had attended one of her concerts at the Aviva Stadium just a month ago. Her mother remembered, with a trace of humour, that Clodagh’s fervour for the popstar probably made her a fan, a ‘Swiftie’, too.
Clodagh, fondly remembered by her mum Ms Phelan, cherished the moments she spent baking with her. She was diligent in saving up her pocket money, with the endearing aim of buying heartfelt gifts for her grandparents and siblings. The commemoration of her life was conducted by Reverend Suzanne Harris, who reflected on how many people and in varied ways Clodagh had impacted during her brief life.
Rev Harris further remarked on the struggle faced by residents of the community in coming to terms with the profound sorrow and shock of losing Clodagh prematurely. Captain Ronan Molloy of the Defence Forces attended the ceremony as a representative of Taoiseach Simon Harris. Subsequent to the service, Clodagh was laid to rest at Ballinatone Cemetery, Rathdrum, situated nearby. Her memory lives on in her father, Liam, her mother, Valerie, her siblings Will and David, and her wider family.