A Mother’s Grief: Remembering Kiea McCann

WHEN Teresa McCann waved 17-year-old Kiea off to her high school prom – little did she know that hours later all she would have left of her daughter would be her long sequined red dress.

The Crash and Its Aftermath

Kiea McCann and her best friend, Dlava Mohamed, 16, were both killed on their way to their ‘debs ball’ when the car they were travelling in crashed into a tree in Monaghan, Ireland, on July 31st, 2023. Anthony McGinn, 61, who was driving the vehicle, had been a family friend.

“A Nightmare to Live With”

Teresa McCann recalls Kiea being excited about the prom all weekend, constantly calling for her mother to see her dress. Frankie McCann, Kiea’s father, remarked that his “little girl has become a young woman today” when he first saw her in the red dress. The girls were being driven to the Westenra Arms Hotel in Monaghan town by McGinn when the crash occurred.

The Horrific Details

In the moments before the crash, the girls pleaded for their lives as McGinn reached speeds of 151kmph (94mph) – nearly double the speed limit. Teresa and Frankie McCann rushed to the scene, finding the wreckage and their daughter and her friend already deceased. Frankie attempted CPR, but it was too late. Teresa described holding Kiea in her arms, still wearing her red dress.

A Sentence and Lingering Pain

In May 2025, Anthony McGinn pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to seven years in jail. He also admitted to causing serious bodily harm to another teenager in the car. The McCanns expressed their belief that the sentence was insufficient for taking their daughter’s life.

Kiea’s Legacy

Kiea was remembered as a peacemaker within her large family of ten children, known for her infectious laugh and her dream of becoming a social worker after starting a childcare course. Her mother shared that the loss is a constant pain, waking up each day with the realization of her daughter’s absence.

A Plea for Road Safety

The McCanns are sharing their story to raise awareness about the dangers of speeding and reckless driving, urging drivers to prioritize the safety of their passengers and others on the road. “Don’t speed, don’t race, think about your passengers and other people’s lives,” Teresa McCann stated.

Where to Seek Grief Support

• Griefcast: Cariad Lloyd interviews comedians on this award-winning podcast.
• The Madness Of Grief by Rev Richard Coles (£9.99, W&N): The Strictly fave writes movingly on losing his husband David to alcoholism.
• Terrible, Thanks For Asking: Podcast host Nora McInerny encourages non-celebs to share how they’re really feeling.
• Good Mourning by Sally Douglas and Imogen Carn (£14.99, Murdoch Books): A guide for people who’ve suffered sudden loss.
• Grief Works: Download this for daily meditations and expert tips.
• How To Grieve Like A Champ by Lianna Champ (£3.99, Red Door Press): A book for improving your relationship with death.