‘Kian’s life was full of love, joy and light’

By Dionne Meehan

A TEENAGER, who lost his life in a collision in Donegal, was remembered for his kind and generous nature at his Requiem Mass on Thursday.

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.

Addressing the congregation in St Brigid’s Church, Carnhill, Derry, on Thursday morning, Rev Sean O’Donnell CC said although Kian’s life was brief, it was full of love, joy and light.

“He touched the lives of many with his kindness, his laughter and his spirit.

“These memories are the treasures which remain with us forever.

“We may not be able to hold him in our arms anymore, but we can hold him in our heart,” he said.

Kian was born on December 14, 2007.

He was his parent’s rainbow baby, their blue eyed boy and his mammy’s golden boy.

He attended St Patrick’s Primary School before moving on to St Columb’s College.

In college last year, he held an exemplary record for attendance and developed a flair for barbering.

Kian was full of enthusiasm and was looking forward to developing at barbering and travelling the world.

Rev O’Donnell described Kian as kind, funny, generous, very expressive and ‘just a wee character’.

“He never judged anyone or their circumstances. He was always willing to be a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on or the one to make you laugh.

“Whatever the situation required, he could read it.

“He genuinely cared for everyone he met, from any and every walk of life.

“The ultimate likeable rouge, he was always up to mischief.

“He loved the craic and banter,” he said.

Kian’s personality was “infectious” and made everyone laugh.

“When he got grounded, which was often at one point, his friends begged his parents to let him out because they missed his humour,” Rev O’Donnell continued.

“He brought the craic and the fun to the group,” he said.

Kian also spent some time caring for his mother Fiona when she was unwell.

“He helped her in and out of bed, walking up and down the stairs, in and out of the car, whatever,” Rev O’Donnell said.

He was also a massive football fan, something him and his father had in common.

“He was his dad’s best buddy whom he loved, adored and idolised,” Rev O’Donnell continued.

“He and his dad travelled across to matches, across the pond.

“But Kian didn’t get to know there was a trip to White Hart Lane coming up on October 19 this year,” he said.

Rev O’Donnell said Kian’s love for football was as strong as his love for life.

“The beautiful game serves as a reflection of the journey that we all take.

“Kian played his last match on Friday evening past and on the football field Kian played with heart, with determination and a spirit that inspired everyone around him.

“Each match is a journey with its own challenges, victories and lessons, just like our journey through life.

“In football, as in life, there are moments of triumph and moments of loss.

“Sometimes the game doesn’t go as we planned or as we wanted and we face setbacks.

“But just as a team rallies together and supports one another to find strength to continue, so too, we must come together, leaning on each other, lifting each other up and finding promise in the hope that Kian’s journey hasn’t ended, it has just moved to a new field.

“One where he is playing the ultimate match in God’s eternal stadium.

“Kian may no longer be physically with us on the pitch of life, but his spirit, like a cherished team mate, will always be with us,” said Rev O’Donnell in concluding his homily.

Following Requiem Mass, Kian was laid to rest in St Mary’s Cemetery, Ardmore.

Kian is survived by his parents, Emmett Kirk and Fiona Dawson, sister, Abaígael, grandparents and wide circle of family and friends.

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