by Louise Doyle
THE father of a 16-year-old who lost his life in a collision in Donegal almost two weeks ago, has spoken of his joy after his son’s beloved team scored a goal in the 16th minute of their match at the weekend.
Kian Dawson-Kirk lost his life in a single-vehicle collision at Cross, Quigley’s Point, on Saturday, August 24, at 11.15pm. The crash also claimed the life of his 20-year-old cousin, Eoghan Dawson, driver of the vehicle, who died a few days later in hospital in Belfast.
Kian, from Derry, was a talented footballer who played for Don Bosco’s Football Club. He was also a loyal supporter of Celtic Football Club and Derry City FC.
In their match against Rangers on Sunday, Celtic defeated them 3-0. But it was the team’s score in the 16th minute which meant the most to Kian’s family.
The youngster’s family and friends had initially hoped for a round of applause to ripple through the stadium on the 16th minute in memory of Kian, but his family were overjoyed when Celtic scored a goal instead.
In a touching post online, Kian’s father, Emmett Kirk wrote: “Kian didn’t want 60k in the stadium clapping for him on the 16th minute, he wanted the whole Celtic family around the world jumping and smiling on the 16th minute. Unbelievable son.”
Emmett signed his post off by adding the words. ‘My Bhoy’, followed by a heart emoji in Cetic’s trademark colour of green.
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