Write a commentThe Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Derry at the weekend passed a motion calling on both the Irish government and northern Assembly to support the repatriation work carried out by the Newry based Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and local MLA Mickey Brady has said that he and his colleagues in both legislatures would now pursue the issue.
Supporting the motion before his Partys Congress in Derry the Newry & Armagh Sinn Féin candidate explained "In June 2013, 26 year old Kevin Bell from Newry Co. Down was killed in a hit a run accident in New York. Kevin was a talented footballer and very popular young man. The Bell family are highly respected members of the community and Kevin's untimely death cast a very dark cloud over all our communities. The community under the leadership of people like Damien Ruddy organised a fundraiser to repatriate Kevin from New York, in one night £42,000.00 pounds was raised.
More money continued to be raised. Kevin’s parents Collie & Eithne made a decision to set up a trust in their sons memory and to help other families with the financial expense of repatriation of loved ones that would die abroad. In the present climate of emigration alot of young people are abroad and unfortunately tragedies happen. Money left over from repatriating Kevin's body has helped other families across Ireland" and he continued
"Kevin Bell's father, Colin described the fund as "Kevin's legacy". These are his words "It was started by the people of Newry to bring Kevin home. And the funds left over have been used to help people who were in the same situation as us, who lost their loved ones abroad, to take some of the stress away for them."
The MLA continued "Comrades can I on your behalf commend the very professional, compassionate and practical work and support by the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust to the many families, over 60 since this fund was started. Tens of thousands of pounds have been raised. The Trust is open and accessible to all, irrespective of their creed, politics or culture".
"Kevins death and the work of the Repatriation Trust has highlighted major needs that most of us thankfully would not have been aware of.As well as the much needed financial assistance the repatriation trust provides for bereaved families to bring their loved ones home, the group’s experience in dealing with foreign consuls and various organisations to arrange the repatriation of remains also removes a huge burden from grieving families.This motion which I ask all to support will ensure that the work of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust will be supported by both the Irish Government and The Northern Assembly. That support should include financial and all other practical resources available.
Concluding the Newry & Armagh MLA stated "A chairde, The Bell family have always accepted that the work they and the Trust do will not bring Kevin back, however they see it as "his legacy". Let us ensure that this family and indeed all the families that this fund has supported in their darkest hours, know that, no death of their loved one has been in vain. I call on both the Dublin Government and the northern Assembly to give them the recognition, support and resources that they deserve".
