A 60-year-old man has pleaded guilty to causing the tragic deaths of two teenagers in a devastating car crash in County Monaghan, Ireland.
The incident occurred on 31 July 2023, when Kiea McCann, 17, and her best friend, 16-year-old Dlava Mohammed, lost their lives after the car they were in collided with a tree near Legnakelly, Clones.
The teenagers were en route to their school ball at the Westenra Arms Hotel in Monaghan town, an event they had been eagerly anticipating.
Anthony McGinn, of Drumloo, Newbliss, County Monaghan, faced charges of dangerous driving causing the deaths of Kiea and Dlava. He was also charged with causing serious bodily harm to Dlava’s sister, Avin Mohammed, who sustained significant injuries in the crash.
During a hearing at Monaghan Circuit Court on Tuesday, McGinn admitted to both charges. His legal representatives requested time to obtain specialist medical certificates and highlighted his previously unblemished criminal record.
Judge John Aylmer ordered a probation report to provide further insights into McGinn’s background and character. The defendant was released on continuing bail and will be sentenced at a later date.
The accident claimed the lives of two beloved teenagers, leaving a profound impact on their families, friends, and the local community. Kiea McCann, known for her vibrant personality, was a dedicated student with aspirations for the future.
Dlava Mohammed, originally from Syria, had settled in Ireland with her family and was described as kind-hearted and full of dreams.
The two friends shared a close bond and were inseparable in life. Their deaths triggered an outpouring of grief, with vigils held in their honour and tributes flooding in from across the country.
