Devastated mum of 11-year-old Clodagh Phelan tells mourners 'all our hearts are broken into a thousand pieces'
Clodagh’s heartbroken mum Valerie told mourners: “To be honest no words can say enough about our beautiful daughter and sister to our two boys
The heartbroken mum of Clodagh Phelan, who died after falling from a balcony in Spain, has said: “All our hearts are broken into a thousand pieces.”
Clodagh, aged 11, from Co Wicklow tragically lost her life after plunging from the seventh floor of a hotel in Majorca while holidaying with her family.
The youngster’s parents, Liam and Valerie, were said to be sleeping at the time of the tragedy which took place last Monday at around 6.30am at the Club Mac resort in Puerto de Alcudia.
READ MORE - Body recovered from sea in search for boy, 12, missing from Cliffs of Moher
READ MORE - Boy, 14, killed in e-scooter horror crash with car in Kilkenny
Paramedics and other emergency responders tried without success to revive her but Clodagh was pronounced dead at the scene.
On Sunday, hundreds of tearful mourners turned out for Clodagh’s funeral at the Holy Trinity Church, Castlemacadam, Avoca when her little white coffin was carried into the church with a guard of honour provided by her heartbroken team mates from the numerous sporting teams she was part of and her school mates at St Saviour’s National School.
Chief mourners at Clodagh’s funeral Mass included her heartbroken parents Liam and Valerie and brothers Will and David, her grandfather John Hobson and grandmother Joan Phelan, aunts, uncles
Clodagh’s heartbroken mum Valerie told mourners: “To be honest no words can say enough about our beautiful daughter and sister to our two boys.
“All our hearts are broken into a thousand pieces. We will always love you to infinity and beyond, something her daddy and mammy never failed to say to her each night,” Valerie said, breaking down in tears.
“Clodagh had a huge lust for life. Her eyes were always sparkling,” continued Valerie, adding that Clodagh loved sports -- rugby, camogie, athletics and hockey.
“Last year she even tried to persuade Liam and I that she could join soccer but we had to tell her there weren't enough days in the week for it all.
“She was such a kind-hearted beautiful child. But put her on a sports pitch or running track or and she became a ferocious warrior.
“The tougher the competition, the tougher and better she would play. She absolutely loved and adored every team member she played with.
“Clodagh adored younger children, she was a magnet and we can only guess what she would have become in the future working with little children.
“She loved people, the young and the old and her interest in them was always genuine. When she’d ask ‘How are ya,’ she’d wait for the answer. She really, really cared.
“Clodagh had other loves too outside of sports. Baking was one particular hobby she loved and one I loved to do with her. She loved making cakes for all our family’s birthdays especially for her granddad. She cleaned cars out for one of her pocket money earners.
“She loved her trips to Dundrum and was happy to browse around Penney’s for hours - painful hours. And having dinner in her favourite spot, Milanos ‘Oh I do love dough balls', she would say. Those days I will always treasure,” said Valerie.
“She was generous and so thoughtful. When we were on holiday she said she needed to earn a few more bob to buy presents. She decided she was going to have to go big on this one and decided she was going to hoover out and wash the tractors for her granddad and with a glint in her eye she said she knew grandad would pay her well,” said Valerie.
“Just last week she spent time shopping for presents to bring home from holidays. She decided on earrings for Granny Joan and she wanted the perfect pair. We traipsed around a few shops on the trail to find them and she found the perfect pair her granny Joan would be happy with,” Valerie continued.
“The gifts she bought and made were always done with thought and love.
“Another hobby she started last year was joining the local music and drama club and along with all her friends they put on a fabulous show for us all and we have such special memories of that night.
“Clodagh also loved school. She was so enthusiastic and so excited about what went on every day. It was such a happy place for her and she loved every child from infants right up to senior classes. She adored her teachers and the staff.”
Clodagh’s cousins along with pupils and friends from St Saviour’s National School sang a beautiful rendition of “If I were a butterfly” and “My lighthouse,” while Clodagh’s Godmother Tanya Monaghan read ‘The Lord is My Shepherd,” while Sadbh Corry, Clodagh’s cousin ended the funeral Mass singing the song “Jealous of the Angels Tonight.”
Chief Celebrant Reverend Suzanne Harris told mourners that Liam and Valerie asked her to express their thanks and gratitude for the countless people who have helped and supported them from the moment the tragic accident occurred.
“A heartfelt thanks to all,” said Rev Harris.
Following the funeral Mass, Clodagh’s remains were buried in Ballintone Cemetery in Rathdrum, Co Wicklow.
Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
