'Always be our little boy' - heartfelt tributes paid to Mayo boy at Funeral Mass
May he rest in peace.
The parents of Cian Rowland, a young Mayo boy who died tragically last week, said he will always remain in their hearts at his Funeral Mass yesterday afternoon.
Six-year-old Cian, from Deerpark, Crossmolina, died on Sunday after being struck by a car.
The ceremony on Wednesday afternoon was attended by Cian’s schoolmates from St Tiernan’s National School, Crossmolina where he had been due to finish senior infants on Thursday.
Cian’s uncle Fr James Rowland said it had been a ‘horrible couple of days’ following his tragic passing.
“Cian was a boy full of life and very vibrant. We can’t dwell on the 60-70 years that might have been but to remember the joy that we had,” he said.
A class collage, a scrapbook, a swimming hat and goggles, a Shore Farm Pony Therapy t-shirt, a hoverboard, a family photograph, putty, a school bag and a plant were brought to the altar as symbols of Cian’s life.
Parents Noel and Leona Rowland said Cian was their “special little boyeen.” Leona said Cian had been born on her birthday six years ago and was the “best birthday present” she could have asked for.
“Cian was our special little boyeen. He had the most beautiful smile, gave the tightest hugs and had the biggest heart,” she said.
“He was very energetic, affectionate, determined, stubborn and headstrong, full of curiosity and most of all, full of love.” Cian was diagnosed with autism aged two, which his mother said was only a small part of who he was. His father Noel said Cian had brought out the best in his family and his community.
“Cian taught us the joy of giving, the joy of celebrating every unique milestone, the joy of everyone’s own uniqueness. Patience, he taught us compassion, he taught us empathy, he taught us what real love was,” said Noel.
“He made us a better family, and if we had been given a choice six years ago between never knowing Cian and experiencing this heartbreak we feel today, or having six precious years with him and carrying this grief now, we would choose Cian every single time. Every single time.”
His mother thanked the Gardaí, the first responders, emergency services and Air Corps staff who attended the scene on Sunday. She said the family would always remember him and hold Cian close to their hearts.
“Cian, we love you more than words can ever express. We’re so proud to be your mammy and daddy. You will always be our little boy and you will always remain in our hearts.”
Cian was laid to rest in Crossmolina cemetery. He is survived by his parents Noel and Leona, siblings Norah, Micheál and Sinéad, grandparents Julia, Carmel and Mickey, and is predeceased by his grandfather Fergus.
May he rest in peace.
