Seven-year-old Emili Roman has been remembered as a “joyful and contented child” at her funeral today. 

Emili was laid to rest today at the Church of Our Lady and St. John, Carrigaline, at 11.45am. 

The seven-year-old died on Tuesday, September 5, while swimming at Fountainstown Beach near Crosshaven. 

Young children held teddy bears and the family of Emili walked alongside her white coffin as it was wheeled to the top of the church for her requiem mass. 

Ministers Michael McGrath and Simon Coveney, who are local TDs in the area, attended the mass.

Father Aidan Cremen told mourners that the people of Crosshaven, Fountainstown, Carrigaline and surrounding areas were heartbroken by the loss of the vibrant and loving girl. 

“Emili enjoyed the benefits of living in Crosshaven her loving parents giving her a fabulous lifestyle. We can’t find words to express how we feel,” he said. 

“There must be some comfort that Emili was surrounded with love all her life.” 

Emili Roman. Image: RIP.ie

Fr Cremen said Emili was brought to the same church to be baptised nearly eight years ago where she was “anointed to be part of God’s family for all of eternity”. 

“I can assure [Emili’s family] Slawomir and Martha Inga and Jeremy that Emili will be looking out for you and loving you and feeling your love for her,” he said. 

Church of Ireland Bishop of Cork Paul Colton said earlier this week the community was “devastated” from her death.  

“Most of us cannot begin to imagine the suffering that this family must now be going through,” he said.  

“A tragedy like this is having a traumatic effect also on this small parish school at the start of this new school year, and also the wider community.”