A teddy bear, jellies, make-up and perfume were brought to the altar as symbols of the life of a 12-year-old girl who died after getting into difficulty in the River Suir last week.
Freya Tobin, who had just finished sixth class, was remembered as bright, kind and spirited young person whose warmth and laughter brought joy to so many.
Freya's parents, brothers, grandparents, aunts and uncles alongside her extended family were joined by her best friends and classmates at her funeral mass in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Newcastle in Co Tipperary.
In his homily, Fr Michael Tomey said the community of Newcastle gathered in sorrow and disbelief, but also with love and thanks for Freya and to celebrate her remarkable short life.
Mourners heard how Freya’s "bubbly personality" resonated with everyone she met and of how much she loved music, particularly Eminem.
Fr Tomey said that since Freya’s death the community has been "outstanding" in their support for her family and also the many tributes posted online from strangers and parents from across the country.
Speaking to Freya’s friends, he urged them to "talk to any one of us who will be there for you in these days and most importantly, talk to one another as you have been doing".
He told them to "focus on living your life to the fullest and honouring Freya’s memory in a positive way".
He said that death is always a sad occurrence and to lose a child "is surely one of the most painful experiences we experience in life".
At the end of the mass, Fr Tomey said he wanted to offer a final word of thanks to Freya.
"Thank you, Freya, for being such an amazing, wonderful, beautiful, funny, and fiery daughter granddaughter, sister, cousin, student and friend," he said.
"You have left a lasting impression on the hearts of all of us across this whole parish community. We will never forget you Freya and we thank God for your beautiful and precious life. May you now rest in peace," he added.
