‘Our Tiarnan touched so many lives’ - Family and friends pay tribute to Trinity School pupil killed on his way to catch school bus

Tiarnan Welland died at the scene of the accident on the A423 Southam Road last Thursday morning after being struck by a car as he crossed the road to catch his bus to Trinity School in Leamington.

His devastated parents Jacinta and Ian have paid tribute to their “young, energetic, sporty boy” who would have celebrated his 12th birthday on Saturday.

They said: “We’re absolutely devastated – Tiarnan would have grown up into such a great young man,” they said.

“He would have been much loved throughout his life and would have continued to touch so many people’s lives the way he always had.

“Tiarnan was just a wonderful, very special boy – everything you would expect of a boy of his age but with so many extra special things thrown in as well.

“He was a bit of a charmer really. He had a wonderful affinity with Ireland and a very strong bond with his family in Ireland – we would occasionally joke he had kissed the Blarney Stone because he had the gift of the gab and could talk to anyone.

“He had a way of making conversation, not just with his peers but with adults too.

“He was very articulate and had a very special way about him.”

Tiarnan, which means Lord in Gaelic, had lived in Farnborough for the past nine-and-a-half years with his parents, three older sisters and younger brother.

His mother said: “Tiarnan was very family orientated - he had this wonderful aura about him and a wonderful bond with his brother.

“He would want anything he did to include his little brother.

“But he also had a very close relationship with his three sisters.

“Tiarnan had a great eye for detail and was a bit of a fashion critic.

“He could dress anyone and before his sisters went out they would always come and ask him for his advice.”

A passionate sportsman, Tiarnan enjoyed playing basketball and representing Harbury Rugby Club’s under-12s team.

One minute silences were held before the clubs two games at the weekend.

Mr and Mrs Welland said: “Tiarnan had a strong, energetic and sporty exterior and he got so much pleasure from playing sports.

“He was a real team player, but behind that sporty exterior was a very sensitive and caring boy who was incredibly thoughtful and giving.

“He would stand up for anyone and was sensitive enough to know if you weren’t feeling great – he would come and give you a big hug and try to make you smile.

“He had also just started showing an interest in girls and loved wearing chocolate-scented Lynx to school.”

Tiarnan’s other interests included mini-scooters, listening to music, playing computer games with his brother or spending time at home “JC-ing” – just chilling.

A former pupil of Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School in Princethorpe, Tiarnan moved up to Trinity School in September.

Special masses have since been held at both schools.

Bernard Longley, the Archbishop of Birmingham, wrote a letter to Trinity principal Dr Jim Ferguson to give his condolences to the schoolboy’s family and the school.

Dr Ferguson said: “Tiarnan was a lively and enthusiastic student who was well-loved by our community and we are devastated by his loss.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.”

Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, including the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, Tiarnan died from the injuries he sustained from the collision with a green Ford Mondeo, which was travelling towards Banbury.

The 68-year-old driver, who gave a negative breath test, is fully co-operating with police.