The community of Carrigaline came together to bid a poignant farewell to young Emili Roman, who tragically drowned off the Cork coast just two days shy of her 8th birthday. In a touching tribute, children held teddy bears as they attended the requiem mass at the Church of Our Lady and St. John in Carrigaline, Co Cork.
Emili Roman, a resident of Crosshaven in Co Cork, was remembered by her family, friends, and community members in a heartfelt ceremony. Her family had requested that friends of their beloved daughter bring soft toys to the mass, which would later be placed on her grave as a symbol of the affection and warmth she brought into their lives.
The devastating incident occurred when Emili’s life was tragically cut short while she was enjoying the coast of Cork. Her body was recovered from the waters near the shore at approximately 19.30 on Tuesday. Her passing sent shockwaves through the community and touched the hearts of all who knew her.
During the requiem mass, Emili’s parents, Martha and Slawomir, along with her older sibling Inga and her twin brother Jeremy, walked alongside her white coffin as it was solemnly wheeled to the top of the church. Emili, who had a deep love for the outdoors, was commemorated with a picture on her coffin, showing her by the sea with a radiant smile on her face and her long, blonde hair dancing in the breeze.
Parish priest Fr. Aidan Cremen conveyed the collective grief of the community, expressing how Crosshaven, Fountainstown, Carrigaline, and the surrounding areas were heartbroken by the loss of the vibrant and loving young Emili. He acknowledged the joy she found in living near the sea, calling it a “beautiful piece of paradise.”
Fr. Cremen emphasised that Emili was cherished by her family and was always the centre of attention. He assured her parents and siblings that Emili would continue to be a presence in their lives, watching over them with love and feeling their affection in return.
Despite the overwhelming sadness that filled the church, Fr. Cremen reminded the congregation that Emili’s memories were filled with happiness, joy, and beauty. He highlighted her sensitivity, caring nature, and appreciation for life’s blessings.
Fr. Cremen also acknowledged the vital role played by emergency services and the unwavering support of the community in the wake of the tragedy, underscoring the unity and compassion that have emerged during this challenging time.
As a mark of respect, a guard of honour was formed at the start of the mass by teenage pupils from Coláiste Muire Réalt Na Mara in Crosshaven. Emili’s coffin was lovingly escorted into the church by her family and her classmates at Templebreedy National School in Crosshaven.
The mourners included representatives from An Garda Síochána, the Ambulance and Fire services, the RNLI, and the Coastguard. Local TDs, including Minister for Finance Michael McGrath and Minister for Enterprise Simon Coveney, also joined the community to pay their respects.
Catholic Bishop of Cork and Ross, Fintan Gavin, and Church of Ireland Bishop of Cork, Cloyne, and Ross, Paul Colton, offered condolences and prayers on behalf of the community during the mass.
Emili Roman was laid to rest at St. John’s Cemetery in nearby Ballinrea, Co Cork.
