GAA club pay tribute to 13-year-old player who died following tragic accident

A GAA club have led the tributes after a 13-year-old boy died following a collision involving a quad bike on Thursday.

The victim has been named locally as Tiarnán Trainor. Earlier on Friday, the PSNI said it received a report of a boy being injured following an incident involving a quad bike on the Low Road in Killeavy, Co Armagh on January 2.

He was taken to Royal Victoria Hospital where he tragically died as a result of his injuries.

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The schoolboy has been described as the loved and cherished son of Conor and Majella Campbell, Conor’s partner Sharon and Majella’s partner Scott, as well as a much loved brother of Aimee and Ellie-Mae and devoted grandson of Donal and Mary Trainor and Gervase and Teresa Campbell.

Paying tribute Killeavy GAA said they were heartbroken at the tragic death of their U14 player. A club spokesperson said: "All here at Killeavy GAA are heartbroken at the tragic death of our U14 player Tiarnán Trainor. A young life taken too soon. Our heartfelt condolences to his devoted parents Conor & Majella and to his loving grandparents and the extended Trainor and Campbell families.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Our Club will be open tomorrow for our younger playing members to provide support and to anyone that wishes to visit. This will be communicated to you all via our Club groups. Tiarnán you will be so fondly remembered by us all here."

The young man was a pupil at St Paul’s High School in Bessbrook which also paid tribute saying: "The school community is heartbroken by the news of the death of our esteemed pupil, Tiarnán Trainor RIP. Tiarnán was a much loved and popular Year 10 pupil who was recently elected by his peers to serve on the Student Council.

"Tiarnán had an infectious personality and was well known throughout the school as a lorry fanatic. He took full part in last year’s Ski Trip and enjoyed a number of weeks last summer at Coláiste Mhuire Loch an Iúir in the Donegal Gaeltacht.

"The school oratory will be open tomorrow (Saturday 4 January) and on Sunday from 1 – 4pm for any pupil and their family who wishes to come together, to remember Tiarnán and to mourn his loss together. Staff from the school’s Care and Welfare team will be present to support pupils.

"Following the return of pupils to school next week, the Education Authority’s Critical Incident Team, as well as school staff, will be available to help and support pupils at this very sad time. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Tiarnán’s family, to his friends and to everyone who knew him."

Sinn Féin MLA for Newry & Armagh, Liz Kimmins, said: "Heartbreaking news emerging from our local community today. My deepest condolences to the family of young Tiarnán Trainor, such a devastating loss for all who knew and loved him. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this terrible time."

PSNI Inspector Cherith Adair said in a statement: “The road, which was closed, has since reopened. An investigation to establish the circumstances is underway and anyone who may have witnessed the collision or anyone with CCTV, dash-cam or doorbell footage that could help with enquiries, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference CW 785– 02/01/25.”

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