Tributes are pouring in from across the country after the untimely death of Rowena Carroll.
The 10-year-old’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief in Arklow, Co Wicklow as she was laid to rest on Sunday.
Rowena, who "brought sunshine with her wherever she went", passed away on Wednesday 10 August after battling a short illness.
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Speaking at her funeral mass, Father Padraig O'Cochlain described Rowena as a “great character” and said that it was hard to believe that she was gone, before remembering all of the doctors and nurses in St Johns Ward in Crumlin where Rowena underwent treatment.
Father O'Cochlain said that the past few months and days were very difficult for Rowena’s family.
At the funeral service in Saint David’s church in Arklow, symbols were brought to the altar - one of which was a pair of headphones to show Rowena’s love of music.
A blanket made by Rowena’s classmates was also brought up to the altar. Her friends who were in attendance described her as a lovely, funny girl.
Father O'Cochláin noted a constant stream of visitors and neighbours and said that people from all over the country who didn’t even know Rowena showed an outpouring of sadness and support for the family.
She was diagnosed with an illness late last year and was extremely brave during her treatment.
In a tribute posted on RIP.ie, a nurse at St. John’s Ward in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin wrote: “Rowena was such an amazing, beautiful girl, we will never forget her. May she rest in heavenly peace, and look after her parents and sister Clodagh. Thinking of you all at this heartbreaking time.”
The death notice read: “Unexpectedly but peacefully. Darling 10-year-old daughter of Damian & Sandra (née Byrne) & beloved little sister of Clodagh. She will be sadly missed by her heartbroken parents & sister, her grandparents Jim & Kathleen (Plattenstown) & Mick & Doreen (Ballyfad), her aunts, uncles & cousins, especially her besties Maisie & Cliona, her relatives, classmates, neighbours & friends."
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