The couple killed in a hit-and-run crash on St Stephen’s Day had been due to return to Spain, where they were married, to celebrate their wedding anniversary in two weeks’ time, their funeral was told.
Anthony “Anto” Hogg (40) and his wife Georgina Hogg Moore (39) were struck while crossing a road near Blanchardstown Shopping Centre in Dublin at about 5.45pm on December 26th.
Speaking at a joint funeral Mass in the Church of St Philip the Apostle at Mountview on Friday, Fr George Adzato said the community “find it difficult to find words and meaning in what has happened to the couple”.
He said the couple loved their home and their family, and had been looking forward in “two weeks’ time to go to Spain to where they got married and to share their anniversary”.
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The principal mourners were the couple’s son Ryan and daughter Becky-Joy, who were supported by the extended families and friends of both parents, who filled the church to capacity, with the service relayed to crowds outside. The presence of family members viewing online from the United States and Australia was noted during the service.
In a eulogy, Georgina’s uncle Ross said she “was an extremely precious and special person”. He said in the last few days her friends had described her as “loving, caring, loyal and honest to a fault”. He said Anto was “a brilliant young man” who was “ambitious” and had “an amazing work ethic”.
He said they had many conversations, and while Anto had sometimes asked for business advice, Ross had told him: “I’d like to know how you’re such a great father ... How can you keep all your family so happy?” He said the husband and wife were “so very different in their own ways, but amazingly loving towards each other”.
Also speaking in the joint eulogy, the late Mr Hogg’s sister Emma said her earliest memories were of “playing hide-and-seek in the electric box and giving mom a fright”.
She said when Anto met Georgina, their eyes locked “and the rest was history”.
John Halpin (45), of Whitestown Avenue, Blanchardstown, has been charged with dangerous driving causing the deaths of the couple and two counts of hit and run and failing to offer assistance at the scene on Blanchardstown Road South on December 26th last. He was on Friday released on bail after providing a cash lodgement and agreeing to obey a number of conditions. He is due to appear before Blanchardstown District Court again on January 30th.
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