Derry man Eoghan Dawson laid to rest on his 21st birthday

The funeral of Derry man Eoghan Dawson has taken place. 

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

Eoghan’s Requiem Mass took place this morning at St. Patrick’s Church, Pennyburn, on Monday.

Parish priest Fr Sean O’Donnell described Eoghan as someone who ‘a genuine interest in everyone he met’ and an individual who was ‘full of life, energy, and kindness’.

Fr. O’Donnell told the mourners that Eoghan was beloved by his parents, grandparents, and friends.

Mourners heard that Eoghan was intending to embark on a career as an electrician, with it planned to go back to college next September.

Fr. O’Donnell said: “His mum recalls him putting those skills in their infancy to the test by switching a dimmer switch to an ordinary switch; it was a good job, but it was upside down. When the light was on, it was off, and when it was off, it was on.”

The symbols of Eoghan brought forward before the start of the mass included Eoghan’s photograph, watch, his Emerge Fitness Tshirt, coffee cup, and Shadow Box (Organ Donor Keepsake, including his handprint, hair lock, and heart trace). 

Fr. O’Donnell spoke about the lives Eoghan had given new life due to his organ donation. 

He said: “In the midst of our sorrow, we find a glimmer of hope, knowing that Eoghan’s life ending has brought new life to others. 

“Through organ donation, he has given the gift of life to five recipients, and his lungs have also been donated for research.”

Fr. O’Donnell imparted a number of stories and messages about Eoghan that perfectly encapsulated his character, which mourners recalled fondly.

He said: “That day 21 years ago was the moment that changed her life forever. She called him ‘my beautiful sonshine’.

His mum reflected on the past 21 years, and Eoghan has been the inspiration and reason for all her wishes, and she is so proud of the young man that he became.

“Eoghan loved the water.

“His favourite spot was the Malin Head Pier. He loved watching the powerful waves crashing against the rocks. 

“Eoghan was always a prankster and up for the craic. His mum told me, although a six-footer, he would squeal if he saw a mouse and wouldn’t wait until the morning to get the traps. 

True Eoghan style, he brings in the dog and wonders why, as he tells him to seek that the dog does nothing. His mum letting him know it was the cat he needed and not Charlie the cocker spaniel. 

“Reflections from his gym coach Ciaran,’ He just loved the gym and was always updating him on his pump work. He was so thankful for the time and the effort that was given to him. 

Emerge Fitness will definitely miss him, as he was part of the furniture there. Growing from a shy boy to a confident man, but will officially be remembered as the first person to tell the staff not to sell him the preworkout.

“His training buddy Gary speaks of Eoghan like a wee brother, a character and always having a laugh, and was glad of the opportunity to have known him.

“Luke McCallion, LMCmedia recalled him as one of a kind and an integral part of the team. It won’t be the same without you.”

Fr. O’Donnell spoke about how they were honouring Eoghan’s memory. 

He said: “By cherishing the relationships we have had by supporting one another in our grief and by living in a way that reflects the kindness, generosity, and spirit that Eoghan was in life.”

Derry mayor Lilian Seenoi-Barr attended along with SDLP assembly member Mark H. Durkan. Pupils from his former school, St. Columb’s College, formed a guard of honour as his remains were brought into the church.

Following Requiem Mass, Eoghan was laid to rest at Derry City Cemetery.