by Louise Doyle
THE father of the teenager who lost his life in a double fatality collision in Donegal at the weekend has paid a touching tribute to him ahead of his funeral this morning.
Kian Dawson-Kirk (16) was fatally injured in a single-vehicle collision at Cross, Quigley’s Point, on Saturday, August 24 at 11.15pm.
The collision also claimed the life of Kian’s cousin, Eoghan Dawson (20), who was the driver of the car.
Kian, from Derry, who was a passenger in the vehicle, died at the scene. Eoghan Dawson was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, for treatment of injuries. He sadly died on Tuesday afternoon.
Posting a photograph of his son and his own late father on social media, Kian’s father, Emmett Kirk, wrote: “Finally back together, these two were special to me but even more special to each other. My daddy. My son.”
Kian has been described as “the most genuine, well-mannered and unassuming young lad” by his football club, Don Bosco’s FC, and also as a hugely popular figure by his school principal at St Columb’s College.
Kian attended St Columb’s College. He was about to embark in a career in barbering. Principal Caroline McLaughlin said the whole school community was devastated by Kian’s death.
In a post on the school’s Facebook page on Monday, she said: “Kian was a keen footballer as well as an engaging and popular pupil, whose personality meant he made friends easily; it should come as no surprise, therefore, to learn that he had a large circle of friends.
“Kian was about to embark on his chosen career of barbering, for which he developed a talent this year.
“He was deeply respected by his peers and members of staff who worked with him.
“He will be very much missed by his classmates and teachers alike.”
Kian will be laid to rest today St Mary’s Cemetery, Ardmore, following Requiem Mass in St Brigid’s Church, Carnhill, at 11am.
He is survived by his parents, Emmett Kirk and Fiona Dawson, sister, Abaígael, grandparents and wide circle of family and friends.
The families of the two cousins and best friends have set up a Go Fund Me to help assist them cover funeral costs.
“We are the family of the boys involved in the recent tragedy. A quick trip to their favourite place soon turned into a living nightmare. Two beautiful cousins Eoghán (20) and Kían (16) were involved in a fatal road accident and now will remain forever young.
“We would be extremely grateful if you could please donate what you can to help cover funeral costs and alleviate the pressure from our devastated family. Thank you.”
Anyone who can donate is asked to visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/kian-dawson-eoghan-dawson
Meanwhile, gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to the collision to come forward.
They are particularly keen to hear from motorists who may have camera footage, including dash cam footage, and were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Buncrana Garda Station at (074) 9320540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)