The mum of a four-year-old girl who died in a tragic accident over the weekend has paid tribute to her “snuggle buggle”.
Fíanna Grace Harkin died in a “freak accident” on Tirruadh Road in Draperstown, Co Derry on Saturday evening.
Her heartbroken mum said she would miss her “beautiful girl”.
“I will love and miss you forever,” said Karen Harkin.
“Fíanna was a blessing to us and touched the hearts of so many in our community.
“Her love for Ballinascreen club was second to none.
“She was the senior ladies number one supporter and loved being at their matches and trainings with me.”
First Minister Michelle O’Neill also paid tribute. “The little angel, thinking of the entire family and community at this devastating time,” she said.
Fíanna was taken to Antrim Area Hospital by ambulance after emergency services were called to the scene on Tirruadh Road but later died.
She had been expected to start her P1 year at St Mary’s Primary School this year.
Fíanna was the “beloved daughter” of Brian as well as mum Karen, sister to Cahair, Shannon, Emma and Sara and the granddaughter of Mickey, Madge and the late Margaret.
Her funeral will take place today, Tuesday, June 11 at 2pm with Requiem Mass to take place at St Columba’s Church in Draperstown.
The rosary was said outside the family home at 7.30pm on Monday evening.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “A post-mortem will be held in due course to establish the cause of death.
“Enquiries are ongoing, and there are no further details at this stage.”
Fíanna was an attendee of the Ballinascreen Early Years group.
They said on social media: “Everyone here at Ballinascreen Early Years are totally heartbroken with this tragic news of the passing our pupil Fianna Harkin.
“She will be forever missed by all the staff and children in preschool class.”
Local club Ballinascreen GAC posted a tribute online and thanked the many other clubs in the area offering their support.
“Ballinasreen GAC are utterly heartbroken by the tragic and distressing death of our precious angel Fianna Grace Harkin,” they wrote.
“Our club deeply appreciates the graciousness of the various county boards and teams in postponing the games, as well as the many heartfelt messages of sympathy coming in from our wider GAA family and beyond.”
In tribute, Derry Ladies Gaelic Football said: “Derry LGFA wish to express their deepest sympathies to the Ballinascreen LGFA secretary Karen Harkin on the tragic loss of her little daughter Fianna and to her sister Shannon – our minor and senior county player.
“In these their darkest days the entire LGFA community in Derry prays for Karen, Brian, Shannon, Cahair, Emma and Sara, the Ballinascreen GAC LGFA circle and its wider parish and community. We are so very sorry for your loss. May her gentle soul rest in peace.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”
Drumsurn GAC said: “All at Drumsurn GAC send their sympathies to the Harkin family and all at Ballinascreen GAC & St. Colm’s GAC, Drum on the tragic passing of little Fianna.
“Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas sioraí dí”
Ballinascreen Traditional Music Group said on social media: “The Ballinascreen Traditional Music Group would like to offer their sincere condolences to the Harkin Family, friends & neighbours on the tragic loss of Fianna Grace. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.
“A little angel, taken too soon.
“Suaimhneas síoraí dá hanam.”
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