The tragic girl, 8, who drowned on Fountainstown Beach, Co Cork, is identified and pictured as Emily Roman locally

Emili’s body was recovered by a member of the public and a Crosshaven RNLI volunteer after being sighted in the sea.

The two carried the child’s body out of the water last night. Emily was taken to Crosshaven Lifeboat Station.

Rescue 115, Waterford Coastguard Helicopter, RNLI Crosshaven Lifeboat Station, Port of Cork Pilot Boat, The Customs Boat, Ballycotton Lifeboat and Mallow Search and Rescue all took part in the search for the girl after the alarm went off .

Gardaí, the Fire Brigade and the National Rescue Service were also present.

The tragic Emili was a second grade student at Templebreedy National School.

Bishop Paul Colton, Bishop of the Church of Ireland of Cork, said the community was shaken by the youth’s death. Emili has a twin brother and would have turned 8 on Thursday. Emili also has a sister, Inga.

“The entire school community at our small Church of Ireland school in Crosshaven, County Cork, as well as the local community and community are in shock and devastated at the death of our second year pupil.”

He said they were “heartbroken” for Emili’s family and loved ones.

The bishop offered his condolences to the child’s family and said he could not imagine their suffering. “However, we are all in shock and devastated,” he said.

“On behalf of all of us in the Church of Ireland in general, and in connection with Templebreedy National School and Templebreedy Parish in particular, I too extend our sincere condolences to all members of the Roman family.”

“A tragedy like this also has a traumatic impact on this small parish school and on the entire community as this new school year begins. I attend school this morning and all day.”

Doris Bryan, the principal who is also Emili’s second-grade homeroom teacher, described her as “friendly, with a lively personality.”

“She had a beautiful smile. She was very loved by everyone and was very popular with all her friends. She was also very artistic and a gifted young girl.”

She added, “We are currently doing our best to make our school a safe place where the entire school community can be together and support one another.” She added that her main focus is on Emili’s family and loved ones .

Details of the tragic girl’s funeral have been confirmed.

Her funeral will be held this Saturday at 11:30am at the Church of Our Lady and St. John, Carrigaline, followed by burial at St. John’s Cemetery, Ballinrea.