Introduction
The quiet town of Clones, County Monaghan, was devastated in July 2023 after a fatal road crash claimed the lives of two teenage girls, Kiea McCann and Dlava Mohamed. This tragic incident highlighted the lethal consequences of reckless driving. The sentencing of 61-year-old Anthony McGinn has brought some closure, but the pain lingers for their families and the wider community.
What Happened on July 31, 2023?
On the evening of 31 July 2023, 17-year-old Kiea McCann and her best friend, 16-year-old Dlava Mohamed, were en route to a school ball at the Westenra Arms Hotel in Monaghan. The girls, dressed for a special night, were driven by Anthony McGinn, a family friend.
Tragically, McGinn lost control of the vehicle while speeding at 151 km/h (94 mph), nearly double the legal limit of 80 km/h (50 mph). The car struck a tree at Legnakelly, near Clones, instantly ending the lives of both girls and injuring two others — including Dlava’s sister, Avin.
Driver Found Guilty of Dangerous Driving
Anthony McGinn, who lived in Drumloo, Newbliss, County Monaghan, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and serious bodily harm. In court, the judge emphasized McGinn’s “reckless disregard for life” and described his actions as a “gross breach of trust” since he had been entrusted with transporting the teens safely.
Despite warnings from his passengers, including front-seat teen Oisín Clerkin, McGinn continued driving at a deadly pace. He was sentenced to seven years in prison, with the judge noting the defendant’s clear intent to drive at “grossly excessive speed.”
Heartbreaking Family Statements
During the court proceedings, both families gave emotional victim impact statements. Dlava Mohamed’s father recalled how the family fled war-torn Syria in 2018, dreaming of a better life in Ireland. “Dlava’s dreams are now buried with her,” he said.
Kiea McCann’s father, Franky, arrived at the crash scene and attempted CPR on both girls. In court, he faced McGinn, saying: “Because of the decision you made, you took our daughter from our lives and our hearts.” Kiea’s mother, visibly emotional, held up a picture of her daughter outside the courtroom and said, “There is no justice for this. My child’s life is gone.”
Wider Impact on Road Safety Awareness
Senior Investigating Officer Ann-Marie Lardner of An Garda Síochána emphasized the broader implications of this case. She noted that speeding remains a leading cause of road fatalities in Ireland. Since the start of 2023, over 418 people have died on Irish roads — a grim statistic that includes these two young girls and Garda Kevin Flatley, who died just days earlier.
This tragedy has renewed calls for stricter speed enforcement and greater awareness among drivers.
Conclusion
The deaths of Kiea McCann and Dlava Mohamed serve as a devastating reminder of the real-world consequences of reckless driving. As Ireland mourns their loss, this case underscores the urgent need for enhanced road safety education and accountability. No sentence can ever replace the lives lost, but it may deter future tragedies.
If you’re a parent, driver, or policymaker, this is a wake-up call. Speeding kills — and it can change lives in an instant.
For more on how Irish authorities are addressing road safety in 2025, read our report on the Garda’s latest traffic enforcement initiative.
