Two parents who reportedly pushed their teenage daughter to safety as a car ploughed into them on Boxing Day had spent their day shopping in the post-Christmas sales, an inquest has heard.
Anthony Hogg, 40, and his wife Georgina Hogg-Moore, 39, died after the horror collision near Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Dublin, on December 26, 2024.
A grey Audi A7 struck the pair while they were crossing Blanchardstown Road North, leaving Mrs Hogg-Moore dead at the scene and Mr Hogg so severely injured that he later died in Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown.
The couple left behind two children, one of whom was with them at the time and only suffered minor injuries.
At an inquest today, Dublin District Coroner’s Court heard the sisters of both Mr Hogg and Mrs Hogg-Moore testify to identifying their siblings’ bodies at the scene and at hospital.
Coroner Clare Keane said the postmortem results indicated that the couple both died as a result of traumatic injuries due to a collision.
Detective Inspector Jim McDermott applied for the inquests to be adjourned under Section 25 (2) of the Coroners Act as charges have been made in relation to the deaths.
This was granted and the inquests were adjourned to a future date which will be confirmed after the conclusion of relevant criminal proceedings.
John Halpin, 45, of Whitestown Avenue, Blanchardstown, was charged with two counts of dangerous driving at Dublin District Court on December 30, 2024.
Mr Halpin, who was a neighbour of the parents, was also accused of two counts of hit-and-run and failing to offer assistance at the scene of the incident.
Garda Alan Murphy, who arrested Mr Halpin on the evening of the incident, previously noted that he did not reply when charged.
The 45-year-old was granted bail at Cloverhill District Court earlier this year through his own bond of 200 euros (roughly £168) with a cash lodgement of 2000 euros (roughly £1682).
He was ordered to attend his garda station two times every week, and to ensure he did not apply for any new travel documentation after handing over his passport.
Mr Halpin was also warned not to contact the deceased’s family on social media or in person.
According to the Irish Sun, Gardaí believe the daughter of the tragic parents may have been pushed to safety after her bruising suggested she was only hit by a wing mirror.
Pictures of a vigil being held at the spot where the tragedy occurred emerged the following night, which included the release of blue and white balloons.
At that time, Mrs Hogg-Moore’s sister, Katie Moore, paid tribute on social media saying the family were ‘absolutely broken-hearted’.
The couple’s niece, Kirstie Moore, also described the pair as having ‘the most genuine hearts and souls’.
She added that their family had ‘no words to describe’ how they were feeling.