Tributes paid to 'genuine and popular' Kian Dawson

Kian, from Carnhill in Londonderry, has been described as "the most genuine, well-mannered and unassuming young lad" by his football club, Don Bosco's FC, and also as a hugely popular figure by his school principal at St Columb's College.

Gardaí (Irish police) said Kian was a passenger in a car that was involved in the crash on the R240 at Cross at about 23:15 local time on Saturday.

The driver of the car, a man in his 20s, was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital where he remains in a critical condition, BBC News NI understands.

'Deeply respected'

St Columb's College principal Caroline McLaughlin said the whole school community was devastated by Kian's death.

In a post on the school's Facebook page on Monday, she said: "Kian was a keen footballer as well as an engaging and popular pupil, whose personality meant he made friends easily; it should come as no surprise, therefore, to learn that he had a large circle of friends.

"Kian was about to embark on his chosen career of barbering, for which he developed a talent this year.

"He was deeply respected by his peers and members of staff who worked with him.

"He will be very much missed by his classmates and teachers alike."

"Kian was a brilliant young boy who was hugely popular, well-liked and a well- respected figure," he said.

He described him as "football crazy" and said he was held in high esteem by players and coaches.

'Our hearts are sore'

Among those to pay tribute to the 16-year-old were his football club in Derry, Don Bosco's FC.

In a post on social media, the club said: "Our hearts are sore today".

"We awoke this morning to the sad news that young Kian Dawson, a player in our 2007 group since the age of five, had sadly passed after a road traffic accident last night in Donegal," the club's post on social media read.

They described Kian and his father as "an integral part" of Don Bosco's FC.

Club activities, including training and matches, have been called off for the coming week.

-BBC