Parish bids farewell to ‘ball of energy’ Emily

A toy rabbit, a Tipperary jersey and poster, a photo album, books, a souvenir of the Olympic Games and model dogs: some symbols of the short but happy life of Emily Wilson who passed away at the weekend and was laid to rest yesterday.

Tears flowed freely in the Church of the Sacred Heart in Gortnahoe, Co Tipperary, as heartbroken couple, Caitriona Clutterbuck and Nick Wilson, said goodbye to their only child who collapsed and died while preparing for a camogie match in the local GAA ground on Saturday.

The tokens of her 10-year-old life were brought to the altar at the beginning of the funeral Mass while the end was marked by an emotionally-charged rendition of the hymn, Queen of the May (Bring Flowers of the Rarest), led by Emily’s mother, poet and academic Caitriona, whose powerful, melodic voice rang around the church and drew a sustained round of applause from mourners.