Boy, 6, killed in Mayo crash remembered for his 'most beautiful smile' at funeral
Cian Rowland, from Deerpark in Crossmolina, was fatally injured after being struck by a car on the N59 at Eskeragh, near Crossmolina, at around 11.20am on Sunday, June 21. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The heartbroken parents of a six-year-old boy who died after he was struck by a car in Co Mayo on Sunday told his funeral he had the ‘most beautiful smile” and “gave the tightest hugs.”
Cian Rowland, from Deerpark in Crossmolina, was fatally injured after being struck by a car on the N59 at Eskeragh, near Crossmolina, at around 11.20am on Sunday, June 21. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Chief mourners at his funeral Mass of the Angels on Thursday in St Tiernan’s Church, Crossmolina included his heartbroken parents Noel and Leona, sisters Norah and Sinead and brother Micheal, Nana Julia Rowland, Nanny Carmel and Goggie Mickey Lavelle, his aunts, uncles, cousins and his school friends and teachers.
In an emotional tribute during the funeral Mass, Cian’s grieving parents Noel and Leona said their “precious son” was a loving, energetic and affectionate child who touched everyone around him.
Leona told mourners how Cian had the “most beautiful smile” and how “he gave the tightest hugs”.
She said: “He had the biggest heart, and he had a way of bringing joy into every room that he entered.”
She explained that while Cian was autistic, it was “only one small part” of who he was.
She added: “He was affectionate. He was very determined. He was very stubborn and headstrong.
“He was full of curiosity, but most of all, Cian was so full of love,” said a tearful Leona.
Leona said Cian “was the best birthday present any mother could wish for” as he arrived into the world on her own birthday on November 12, 2019.
She said that when he was first diagnosed with autism, they had been worried for him, however, they quickly realised that "Cian was still Cian and he would always be Cian."
Leona added: "The only thing that needed to change was our understanding of autism and our understanding of how Cian processed things and saw the world.”
Cian’s parents told how their little boy loved water, swimming, pony therapy, nature and his daily walks to school.
Cian’s heartbroken dad Noel, spoke about how his family would choose every moment with him again, despite the heartbreak they now face.
"He made us better people, he made us a better family," he said.
"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."
"Disguised as a little boy with special needs, Cian Rowland entered our lives and filled them with joy and hope, happiness and love," Noel said.
"Cian, we love you more than words can ever express. We are so proud to be your mummy and daddy.
"Thank you for every cuddle, every smile, every laugh and every precious moment you gave us.
"You will always be our little boy, and you will always remain in our hearts."
Cian’s teachers and pupils from St Tiernan’s National School also paid tribute to their friend and classmate during the funeral Mass by reading prayers and bringing scrapbooks and collages made by his classmates to the altar.
Following the funeral Mass of the Angels, Cian’s burial took place afterwards in Crossmolina Cemetery.
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