LOCAL sport clubs have paid heartbreaking tributes to the young girl who died after falling from a hotel balcony in Mallorca as the community rallies around her family.
Clodagh Phelan, 11, from Co Wicklow, died after she fell from the seventh floor of a hotel in Mallorca while holidaying with her family.
The incident happened at around 6.30am on Monday morning.
It is understood that her family were sleeping at the time when she went out on the terrace and fell to her death.
Police are currently investigating the incident, which took place at the all-inclusive three-star Club Mac resort in Puerto de Alcudia.
Local tributes have flooded in for the youngster, described as a "fantastic little person" with a "massive heart and infectious personality", as her family deal with the awful tragedy.
Rathdrum Rugby club, where Clodagh played, shared their sadness over her death and recalled how earlier this year she played alongside them during a half time match at an Ireland Womens’ Six Nations game at Musgrave Park.
They wrote: ";Rathdrum Rugby club are stunned by the tragic passing of our little star Clodagh Phelan. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to her parents Valerie, Liam, brothers Will and David, the extended Phelan and Hobson families and all her friends in the many teams that she graced in our community.
"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.
"In April of this year, Clodagh joined her team for a half time exhibition match during an Ireland Womens’ Six Nations international at Musgrave Park.
"Such was her performance that she has selected as Player of the Match by the discerning Munster Rugby Selection Panel. A proud moment for her family and the club.
"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 another heart-wrenching tribute, Clara LGFA shared their loss as Clodagh was an avid footballer and camogie star.
They wrote: "Yesterday morning, we received the news no club wants to receive. It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the untimely passing of one of our young talented players, Clodagh Phelan.
"We are heartbroken that Clodagh has been taken from us too soon, and our entire club is feeling this loss deeply.
"Clodagh was not only a talented footballer but also a cherished member of our community. She excelled at so many sports in her life, including GAA, rugby, camogie, and athletics, always showing her remarkable abilities on and off the field.
"She was our warrior on the field and showed how proud she was to put on her Clara jersey at every game. Her passion, energy, and love for the game inspired us all. She was always smiling, bringing joy and positivity to everyone around her.
"Clodagh was a joy to watch, her skill in reading any game was second to none. She always arrived with a smile from ear to ear, boots on, and ready to smash it on the field.
"Clodagh's witty, confident character would make any of her coaches day. She encouraged her teammates no matter what, embodying the true spirit of sportsmanship.
"She had a perfect attitude. Clodagh was a ferocious competitor, never gave up, never stopped working. But she was also the kindest person you would ever meet.
"She listened, she wanted to learn, but she had the right amount of divilment and character in her too she loved playing football and she loved her teammates. Her parents Valerie and Liam took great pride in watching her play Gaa for Clara.
"We send our love and strength to Clodagh's parents, Valerie and Liam, her brothers, Will and David, her extended family, and her wide circle of friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time.
"Rest in peace, Clodagh. You will forever be in our hearts and missed dearly."
Clodagh's primary school, St. Saviour’s N.S, also shared a tribute, with Principal Antoinette Doyle reminiscing on her love for animals and talent for singing.
Antoinette said: "The St. Saviour’s N.S. school community are heartbroken with the tragic and untimely passing of our beloved Clodagh.
"She was a wonderful, happy student and worked hard in school. Clodagh was always smiling and was loved by all throughout the school. She was a great friend to all her class and loved skipping and playing during break time.
"Clodagh was a fantastic sportswoman and excelled at camogie, football, athletics, rugby, hockey to name but a few. She was a beautiful singer and took on the lead singing part in our most recent Christmas play.
"Her musical abilities shone as a member of our orchestra where she played the flute. Clodagh loved animals and loved caring for our hens & chicks in school."
"Above all Clodagh was just a fantastic little person with a massive heart and infectious personality.";
Rathdrum Rugby Club
Clodagh was set to start sixth class in September, and was "always offering to help around the school".
The tribute continued: "She was a caring, kind sister to her brothers David and Will and was looking forward to being in 6th class in September.
"Her kindness shone like a beacon from her and all the infants would run up to her when they saw her. Clodagh was a leader and real inspiration to others, especially with her sporting abilities.
"She was always offering to help around the school and was the first to help if anyone needed some assistance.
"The Phelan family are a kind, giving family and like Clodagh always ready to help the school with anything that is needed.
"Clodagh was one of a kind and so talented and we will miss her so much in St. Saviour’s N.S.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Valerie, Liam, Will, David, loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and the family’s wide circle of friends."
A regional emergency coordination centre has offered the youngster’s family trauma counsellors.
Clodagh's family are believed to have been planning to return home on the day of the tragic accident.
Funeral details are yet to be announced and it is understood that an autopsy was set to be carried out last night.
