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On a typical breezy summers day of showers and sunshine, Kevin Bell's funeral made it's way in silence from his home, along the Chancellors Road to Cloghogue Chapel.
Kevin's life journey took him from Newry to New York and now he was home again in the most tragic of circumstances, after losing his life in the early hours of Sunday last in the city he had made his home.
Hundreds of Family and friends and those who just wanted to show their support filled the Chapel to capacity for the Requiem Mass with a marquee outside accommodating several hundred others. Kevin was laid to rest in the adjoining graveyard.
Tragedy has struck so many Newry families in the past, losing their daughters or sons, partners or friends suddenly while away from home, but never before have the community reached out so quickly and in such a visible tangible way in response.
Our City has always been known for it's residents generosity and support in times of great difficulty - just ask some of the local clergy who have organised collections! Whether it was a natural disaster or man made catastrophe, massive amounts were raised at the drop of a hat in order to help fellow human beings. In the same way the Fund raising campaign's to help bring Kevin's remains home after his untimely death have been truly remarkable.
While talk of a new Repatriation Fund for families who suffer such loss in the future is for another day, it would certainly be a fitting tribute for a young man who's love of life and community made him so many friends along the way
