Friends and neighbours of a schoolgirl who died after getting into difficulties while swimming in a river have vowed to help her family cope with the tragedy, the local parish priest said yesterday.

Fr Michael Toomey said the entire community of Newcastle, Co. Tipperary, is shocked and saddened by the events that unfolded in their village on Friday afternoon.

Freya Tobin died at Cork University Hospital hours after she was rescued from the River Suir.

It is believed the schoolgirl had been swimming with some friends when tragedy struck.

Fr Michael told Extra.ie, ‘We are a tiny community and everyone knew Freya and her mother. It is such a tight-knit community here and we will help each other and her mother.

‘Sometimes no words seem adequate when a tragedy like what occurs. No words can give comfort at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with the family who have suffered a terrible loss.’

Last month Freya graduated from national school. Yesterday she was remembered by her former principal at Scoil Mhure Caislean Nua as a kind and a joyful young girl. Claire Moloney said: ‘She was a bright, kind and spirited young person whose warmth and laughter brought joy to so many.

‘Freya had a gentle way of making others feel seen and included, whether it was a kind word in the playground, a helping hand in the school, her trojan work as President of our Student Council or simply a smile that lifted spirits, she made a lasting impression on everyone.’