Derry Teenager Kian Dawson-Kirk was the 'ultimate likeable rogue' mourners told at funeral

The funeral for Derry teenager Kian Dawson-Kirk has taken place.

Cousins Kian and Eoghan Dawson both tragically passed from the tragic single-vehicle crash at Cross, Quigley's Point, at 11.15pm, Saturday night. 

Kian’s Requiem Mass took place this morning at St. Brigid’s Church, Carnhill.

Parish priest Fr Sean O’Donnell described Kian as someone who ‘genuinely cared for everyone he met, from every and any walk of life’ was an individual that ‘brought the craic and the fun to his friend group’ and that he perfectly encapsulated ‘the ultimate likeable rogue’.

Fr. O’Donnell told mourners that Kian was beloved by his parents, grandparents, his sister, and his large group of friends. 

Mourners heard that Kian was about to embark on a new journey as he had found a profession he loved in barbering, one he was incredibly talented in and passionate about. 

The symbols of Kian brought forward before the start of the mass included Kian’s photograph, a road sign for White Hart Lane, a pennant from Don Bosco’s FC, and a Derry City FC top, signed by all the players, demonstrating his passionate love of football. 

Fr. O’Donnell imparted a number of stories about the 16-year-old that perfectly encapsulated his funny character, which mourners greeted with laughter as they recollected upon the memories. 

He said: “If you dared him to do something, he was guaranteed to do it. 

“As a dare, he reenacted the scene from Elf and managed to snap the St. Columb’s College Christmas Tree in half.

“I’m told he once walked from his granny and granddad Dawson’s house to his own house with a pair of shorts on his head because his granddad Micky dared him to do it for a fiver. 

“He used to do wee skits in the house and perform wee shows and dress up as superheroes when younger, and they were all hilarious.

“He was infectious and made everyone he met laugh.”

Fr. O’Donnell spoke about the love he had for every member of his family and the pride he held for each of his friends. 

The parish priest, on behalf of the family, thanked everyone that had been in attendance for the funeral, supported them over the past few days since the tragic accident, and thanked the various representatives from the football clubs that meant the world to Kian and the schools around Derry, particularly St. Patrick's and St. Columb’s College, where he attended. 

Kian was buried at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Rushall Road, Ardmore, following the Requiem Mass.