Tears flow as mourners told ‘hands of the two girls touching as though off to heaven together’ at Debs crash scene
THE dad of one of two teens killed in a horror Monaghan crash told how the hands of the two girls "were touching as though they knew they were off to heaven together".
Kiea McCann, 17, and her best friend Dlava Mohamed, 16, were killed in a collision on the N54 outside Clones on the way to a Debs ball on Monday evening.
Hundreds lined the road to the Sacred Heart Chapel in Clones ahead of Kiea's funeral, while mourners also attended her best pal Dlava's funeral at Clonskeagh Mosque in Dublin.
Father John Chester, Parish Priest of Roslea, told how Kiea's dad Franky had desperately tried to save the two girls after rushing to the crash scene.
Fr Chester told mourners: "Sitting yesterday with Kiea’s dad Franky, at the McCann home, listening to him describe his frantic actions following his arrival at the scene of the crash, he described conducting CPR on his daughter and her soul friend Dlava, but with no success, the hands of the two girls touching as though they knew they were off to heaven together.
"No father should have to witness such a terrible scene."
Scores of motorbikes revved at the Sacred Heart Chapel ahead of the arrival of the hearse carrying motor racing fan Kiea's remains.
Her family and loved ones, including devastated parents Franky and Teresa, as well as her nine siblings, walked behind the hearse topped with floral tributes.
Many of the mourners wore light blue T-shirts bearing a photograph of the teenager wearing her red formal dress.
Students from Largy College lined the steps as her coffin was brought into the church.
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Fr Chester said the best friends' deaths had "shocked and saddened the nation".
There was a pause for silence ahead of the funeral for Ms McCann for those who were injured in the same crash - including Dlava's sister and the 60-year-old driver who remain in hospital.
Representatives for Irish President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar attended both funerals.
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Heartbreaking symbols of Kiea's life were brought to the altar during the mass - including Mickey and Minnie Mouse figures, her hair straightener and devastatingly, her Debs photo - taken just one hour before tragedy struck.
Fr Chester added: "Kiea was born on April 17 2006 and lived to the age of ten at Kilmainham Wood, Co Meath.
"At the age of ten Kiea and the family moved to Clones where she attended Saint Tiernach’s National School and from there to Largy College.
"Kiea was looking forward to taking up training in childcare at Cavan’s Institute of Further Education and Training.
"Friends at the McCann home yesterday stated how popular Kiea was among her friends.
"She had a great sense of humour, pleasantly mischievous and innocent. She, like her peers, was rarely off the iPhone keeping in touch.
"She kicked football with her close circle of friends, played pool, enjoyed music and the weekend discos. Kiea was kind, whole-hearted, genuine.
"She respected others irrespective of race and creed.
"As we know family was hugely important to Kiea, she was a very family oriented girl who was everybody’s favourite, and our hearts are broken, not only for Kiea and Dlava, but for all of those left behind after this terrible tragedy."
Also paying tribute to Dlava, Fr Chester said: "Dlava was a student who always had a warm smile, and a gentle hello, when she met you on the school corridor.
"She was a gorgeous soul who radiated goodness. Dlava expressed such love and devotion to her beloved family."
Fr Chester continued: "The white coffin containing the mortal remains of Kiea McCann speaks to us of youth and innocence.
"We pray that Kiea has entered the everlasting life of heaven."
The prayer service for Dlava also heard the fatal crash in which she died "shook the entire Muslim community and the entire people of Ireland".
Sheikh Hussein Halawa said: "I would like to my offer sincere condolences to the father, mother and all family members."
Dri Ali Selim said the community will fully support her family in the wake of the horrendous tragedy.
He said in the Muslim religion, death is seen as a "step in our trip to our Lord".
Dr Ali Selim said it was a "sad day", adding: "Especially when you think of the circumstances of the (Mohamed) family.
"They ran away from Syria because they didn't feel safe, looking for protection, and unfortunately the place where they thought they would be safe, they were hit with this tragedy."
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Dlava was laid to rest in Newcastle Muslim Cemetery, around the same time as Kiea was buried in Mount St Oliver's Cemetery.
