A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded on Boxing Day 2024, when a couple were struck and killed by a car near Blanchardstown Shopping Centre in Dublin.
Anthony Hogg, aged 40, and Georgina Hogg-Moore, aged 39, had spent their day enjoying the post-Christmas sales before the fatal collision.
According to reports, they managed to push their teenage daughter to safety just moments before a grey Audi A7 ploughed into them as they crossed Blanchardstown Road North.
Parents Killed While Their Daughter Escapes With Minor Injuries
Mrs Hogg-Moore died at the scene due to the severity of her injuries.
Mr Hogg was rushed to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown, where he later succumbed to his wounds.
Miraculously, their daughter survived with only minor injuries.
Investigators believe she may have been struck by only a wing mirror, which possibly indicates the couple’s final act was shielding her from the full force of the impact.
Emotional Inquest Reveals Devastating Details
During an inquest held at Dublin District Coroner’s Court, both families shared painful testimonies.
The sisters of Mr Hogg and Mrs Hogg-Moore confirmed identifying their loved ones’ bodies at the scene and at the hospital.
Coroner Clare Keane stated that the postmortem reports confirmed the cause of death was traumatic injuries sustained in the collision.
Detective Inspector Jim McDermott requested an adjournment of the inquest under Section 25 (2) of the Coroners Act due to ongoing criminal proceedings.
This request was granted, and the inquest will resume once the related legal matters are resolved.
Neighbour Charged With Dangerous Driving and Hit-And-Run
John Halpin, aged 45, of Whitestown Avenue, Blanchardstown, has been charged in connection with the couple’s deaths.
Mr Halpin, a neighbour of the family, faces two counts of dangerous driving causing death, along with two charges of hit-and-run and failing to offer assistance at the scene.
Garda Alan Murphy, who arrested Mr Halpin, noted that the accused did not respond when formally charged.
Mr Halpin was later granted bail through a €200 bond and a €2,000 cash lodgement.
As part of his bail conditions, he must report to his local garda station twice weekly and is barred from applying for new travel documents.
He has also been ordered to avoid any contact with the victims’ family, either in person or through social media.
Family and Community Mourn the Loss
The news of the couple’s selfless final act has shaken the community.
A vigil held at the crash site the following night saw mourners release blue and white balloons in memory of the couple.
Mrs Hogg-Moore’s sister, Katie Moore, expressed the family’s devastation on social media, saying they were “absolutely broken-hearted.”
Their niece, Kirstie Moore, added an emotional tribute, calling them “the most genuine hearts and souls.”
She also noted that the family was left “without words” to describe their grief.
Heroic Parents Remembered for Their Sacrifice
As the investigation continues and justice is sought through the courts, the story of Anthony Hogg and Georgina Hogg-Moore stands as a powerful reminder of parental love.
In their final moments, they gave everything to protect their child—an act of ultimate sacrifice that will never be forgotten.