Parents of Clodagh Phelan (11) pay tribute to 'little angel' after ...

Clodagh, from Newbawn, Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, lost her life at around 6.30am on Monday morning at the Club Mac hotel in the family resort of Puerto de Alcudia in the north-east of Mallorca, having fallen from a fourth-floor balcony.

She had been on holiday with her parents and brothers when the tragic incident occurred, sending shockwaves through Wicklow, especially in Rathdrum, where Clodagh attended St Saviour’s National School.

In a notice on RIP.ie, Clodagh’s family paid tribute to her as they said that their “little angel" will be “forever missed”.

The notice reads: “Following a tragic accident on the 22nd of July, 2024, aged 11 years.

“The darling only daughter of her heartbroken parents Liam and Valerie and dearly loved sister of Will and David.

“Clodagh will also be forever missed by her devoted Grandfather John Hobson (Rockstown, Rathdrum) and Grandmother Joan Phelan (Kyle, Gowran, Kilkenny), Aunts and Uncles, Siobhán and Michéal, Ciarán and Deirdre, Michael and Olive, her many and much-loved cousins, her school-mates at St. Saviour’s National School, her team mates on the numerous sporting teams she was part of and a wide community of close and extended relatives, friends and neighbours.

“Predeceased by her loving Granny Irene Hobson and Grandad Tommy Phelan.

“Sleep in peace, Clodagh, our little angel.”

Funeral arrangements to follow.

Clodagh was widely regarded as a gifted young sportswoman, a much-cherished member of Parnell Athletic Club and Rathdrum Rugby Club, where Ireland’s rugby sevens captain Lucy Rock has also played.

On Monday night, both Rathdrum Rugby Club and Avondale GAA Club, which Clodagh was also a part of, opened up their facilities so that Clodagh’s teammates, coaches and friends could gather to remember Clodagh and mourn her loss.

Rathdrum Rugby Club President Henry Cullen said: “Clodagh was truly a class apart with an outstanding future ahead of her. A rare talent with a combination of pure athletic capability, skill, sense of team, and as anyone who ever had the privilege to see her play will know well, a singular will to win the battle. Above all Clodagh was just a fantastic little person with a massive heart and infectious personality.”

He added: “With her family, teammates, friends and the broader community in which her family are deeply rooted, we are devastated by her loss. We stand united, ready to offer solace and support to all who mourn during this deeply sad period.

“Clodagh’s legacy and impact in her short life will remain with Rathdrum RFC forever.”

In a moving tribute, Parnell AC paid tribute to their “warrior princess, a true athlete in every sense of the word”, whose death has left the juvenile team “devastated, shocked and heartbroken”.

“Clodagh was the loveliest of athletes and at only 11 years old had the running ability of an athlete years older,” the tribute continued. “She was a tenacious and fierce competitor and thrived when the going got tough. She took delight in competing against older runners, and was especially gleeful when beating the boys! In fact she enjoyed nothing more than taking on the boys in a race and leaving them trailing behind her, laughing and having fun the whole while.

“Clodagh was a popular juvenile member and always had kind words of encouragement for all her team mates. Indeed, Clodagh’s sporting ability was only seconded by that of her team spirit. When she wasn’t competing herself, she was on the sideline fiercely cheering on her clubmates.

“Younger athletes looked up to her for her ability and older athletes feared her quick pace and boundless energy.

“Clodagh had a mischievous and sparkling personality and her beautiful infectious smile and fun sense of humour lit up training, even on the grimmest of evenings. Her sense of fun brought joy to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.

“Clodagh will always be missed.”

Local GAA clubs have also been paying tribute to the tragic youngster online, including the nearby Knockanna Camogie Club.

“Our deepest condolences from all in Knockananna Camogie Club. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May Clodagh rest in peace,” a tribute read.

Ballymanus GAA Club also extended their “deepest sympathies” to the Phelan family and “all who knew and loved Clodagh”.

“We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam,” they added.