'Her kindness shone like a beacon': School pays tribute to Wicklow girl who died in Mallorca

Clodagh played football, camogie and rugby, and also competed in athletics. Picture: Parnell Athletic Club Facebook page

Kindness shone like a beacon from Clodagh Phelan who died after falling from a balcony while on holiday in Mallorca, according to her school principal.

11-year-old Clodagh from Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, is understood to have fallen while her relatives were sleeping overnight on Sunday night into Monday morning. 

The alarm was raised at around 6.30am on Monday morning when Clodagh was found outside the complex. The tragedy occurred at the well-known Club Mac hotel in Puerto de Alcudia, on the northeastern side of the island.

Her principal, Antoinette Doyle, said: “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. 

Describing her as “one of a kind”, Ms Doyle said the school community is heartbroken by her death.

She added: “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 played football, camogie and rugby, and also competed in athletics.

Clara LGFA said: “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.” 

The club also said: “She always arrived with a smile from ear to ear, boots on, and ready to smash it on the field.” 

Describing her as “our little star”, Rathdrum Rugby Club said that in April, she was selected as player of the match by the Munster Rugby Selection Panel after playing in a half-time exhibition match during an Ireland Womens’ Six Nations international at Musgrave Park.