Tributes to tragic 12-year-old after river swim death

TRIBUTES were paid over the weekend to 'the most beautiful girl' Freya Tobin, who died after getting into difficulties while swimming in the River Suir - as locals rally together to fundraise for her funeral costs.

- BY NICOLA DONNELLY

Freya, 12, from Newcastle, Co Tipperary, had been in the water with a friend along the Suir Blueway at around 4.20pm on Friday.

It is understood Freya and her pal got into difficulty swimming at the same time. Her friend swam to safety and raised the alarm.

Several boys heard the screams of the girls and dived into the water to help.

Gardai, National Ambulance Service personnel and firefighters from Clonmel Fire Station's swift water rescue team all attended.