MOURNERS have heard how a sport-loving teenager who died after a quad bike crash near Newry last week was “one of life’s characters.”
Tiarnán Trainor (13) was injured in the collision on the Low Road near his Killeavy home on Thursday, but died around 24 hours later after being airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
On Tuesday, symbols from his life were displayed during a Requiem Mass in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Jonesborough, followed by burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Cloughoge.
They included pictures from his two sisters, a toy lorry to represent his dreams of becoming a driver like his father and uncles, a hurley stick as well as jerseys from Killeavey GAC and the All-Ireland winning Armagh team.
A family notice also described him as the “loved and cherished” son of Conor and Majella Campbell, Conor’s partner Sharon and Majella’s partner Scott as well as brother to Aimee and Ellie-Mae.
Pupils and staff from St Paul’s High School in Bessbrook and team mates from Killeavy GAC were also among those paying their respects.
Parish priest Fr Seamus White said: “A dark cloud of grief and anguish has descended over most of south Armagh since last Thursday.
“All of us are heartbroken at the sudden and untimely nature of Tiarnán’s passing. Because it is a very different kind of loss.”
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He described the teenager as an “energetic, bubbly, funny wee boy who was one of life’s characters.”
He continued: “Tiarnán was very fortunate to have a huge network of friends and family, who surrounded him with love, and that’s why he was such a happy child.
“In turn, Tiarnán’s family and friends were blessed to have him in their lives as Tiarnán touched so many people in his 13 years.
“Indeed, it could be said that Tiarnán packed a lot of living into those 13 years. He was indeed a great blessing to all of us.”
Fr White also praised the efforts of emergency workers to save him.
“On his last day of life here on earth, Tiarnán put up a strong fight to live,” he said.
“He was skillfully supported by the ambulance service of Northern Ireland, the Heli medics and the staff of the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children who did everything they could to help Tiarnán.
“Today we thank them from the bottom of our hearts for what they did for Tiarnán and his family, and for what they do every day.”
The family have asked for donations in lieu of flowers be sent to the paediatric and the intensive care unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital.
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