Kian Dawson-Kirk’s life was full of “love, joy and light”, mourners at his funeral have been told.
The 16-year-old died when the car he was a passenger in was involved in a single-vehicle collision near Quigley’s Point in Co Donegal on Saturday.
His cousin, Eoghan Dawson (20), who was driving the car, died on Monday at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital as a result of the injuries he sustained.
St Brigid’s church, Carnhill in Derry was packed to capacity for Kian’s Requiem Mass on Thursday. Many more mourners endured the heavy rain as they stood in the church grounds to pay their respects.
Guards of honour were provided by pupils from Kian’s past schools, including St Columb’s College and St Patrick’s PS, St Brigid’s College and St Cecilia’s College.
A keen and accomplished footballer, Kian’s team mates from Don Boscos’ FC also provided an honour guard while many of his young friends wore t-shirts bearing his picture.
Derry mayor Lilian Seenoi-Barr attended the funeral along with SDLP assembly member Mark H Durkan.
Fr Sean O’Donnell told mourners Kian was taken far too soon.
He said: “Kian’s life, though brief, 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 that remain with us forever.”
Fr O’Donnell said Kian was a blue-eyed and golden boy to his mum Fiona and dad Emmett and a protective brother to his little sister Abaígael. He said the teenager collected his GCSE results just a week before his funeral and was looking forward to starting to train as a barber and to travel the world.
“Kian has been described as kind, loyal, funny, generous; very expressive as he talked with his face and hands, just a wee character. He never judged anyone or their circumstances always willing to be a listening ear, a should to cry on or the one to make you laugh, whatever the situation required,” he said.
Kian was a fanatical football fan, following Spurs, Derry City and his beloved Don Boscos. He was so proud recently when his friend Alfie Friars was signed by Derby County, the Derry priest said. Fr O’Donnell also prayed for Kian’s cousin, Eoghan at the prayers of the faithful.
Among the gifts presented to the altar was a Derry City FC jersey signed by the entire team as well as a sign for White Hart Lane and a Don Boscos’ pennant.
