Funeral of teenager killed in Inishowen crash to take place on Thursday

The funeral of the teenager who lost his life in a single-vehicle collision in Inishowen on Saturday night is to take place on Thursday.

Kían Dawson, 16, from Derry city, died in the collision which occurred on the road between Carndonagh and Quigley’s Point at around 11.15pm.

His cousin, Eoghan Dawson, 20,  the driver of the car, was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast after suffering serious injuries and died on Tuesday afternoon.

Many tributes have been paid to Kian, a student at St Columb’s College who came from the Carnhill area of the city.

“It is with deep regret that we learn of the heart-breaking passing of our Year 12 pupil, Kian Dawson, who was involved in a tragic traffic accident on Saturday evening,” his school said in a Facebook post.

“As a school community, we are truly saddened, and our thoughts and prayers are with Kian’s family. 

“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 had 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.”

His good friend Kyle McDonald posted: “Rest in peace brother, taken way too soon. Wish things could be different. There was so much more memories to be made. Look over the boys the next few days. Fly high, forever 16."

SDLP Foyle MLA Mark Durkan said the crash had left this a "dark" time for all.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families devastated by this tragedy at this dark and unbelievably difficult time," he said.

Derry City FC also paid condolences. The club’s Facebook post said: “Derry City FC is shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Kian Dawson at the weekend.

“Kian and his dad Emmett have been season ticket holders at the club for several years and the teenager was also a member of our 'City Cubs' since its inception.

“His untimely death and his family's grief is shared by his many friends at Derry City and across the community.

“We wish to extend our deepest condolences to Fiona, Emmett and Abaígael as well as Kian's circle of family and friends.”

Kían was the son of Emmett and Fiona,  brother of Abaígael,  grandson of Margaret and the late Noel Kirk and Michael and Michelle Dawson.

His funeral Mass is to take place on Thursday at 11am in St Brigid’s Church, Carnhill with interment afterwards in St Mary’s Cemetery, Ardmore.

Gardaí have renewed an appeal for information about the crash and are appealing for any witnesses to the collision to come forward. 

Any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam and were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make the 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.