NI soldier buried next to daughter

Published Saturday, 26 March 2011
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A Co Down soldier killed in Afghanistan has been buried beside his baby daughter, after a funeral service attended by hundreds of mourners.

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Banbridge came to a standstill for Lance Corporal Stephen McKee's funeral on Saturday afternoon. Among those paying respect was Secretary of State Owen Paterson.

The coffin, draped in the Union Jack, was carried into the town's Church of Ireland by soldiers from the Royal Irish regiment.

The 27-year-old Banbridge man died when his vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Helmand province earlier this month. He was just three weeks from finishing his second tour of duty with the Royal Irish Regiment.

Archdeacon John Scott told mourners that, "sadly", he had "paid the supreme sacrifice".

"Today, we honour his memory and that of his colleagues - but more practically, in love we remember those he loved and those who will miss him most".

Stephen faced many testing situations both professionally and personally, not least the tragic death of his baby daughter Keeley, after only two days of life, just a year ago almost to the day.

Archdeacon John Scott

L/Cpl McKee was described in the homily as someone of "physical and spiritual strength."

"He loved his army life and as we have already heard was good at it, but sadly it has led to this day."

L/Cpl McKee was buried with full military honours at The New Cemetery in Banbridge following the service at Holy Trinity Church of Ireland.

He had joined the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, as a part-time soldier in 2003.

He transferred to the 1st Battalion, based in Tern Hill, Shropshire, in 2007, where he was posted to B Company, before moving to the Machine Gun Platoon in D Company early last year.

He had strong family connections with the regiment.

As well as his brother, his cousin and father-in-law also serve in the 1st Battalion, with another brother serving in the 2nd Battalion.

© UTV News
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21 Comments
Jim in Eireann wrote (750 days ago):
Travelled up from Thurles (co Tipperary)to attend the funeral of a friend. And was proud to see so many caubeens and friends there. Rest easy mate. Faugh a Ballagh
Tommy Atkins in london england wrote (814 days ago):
Folks Please excuse and ignore Shannon. Her ignorance and bitterness is likened to the scab of bigotry which has ruined N Ireland
Phil in Banbridge wrote (814 days ago):
It was great to see the community in Banbridge turning out in their hundreds if not thousands on Saturday to honour Stephen. A perfect send off for an absolute hero,
Alex in Banbridge wrote (814 days ago):
In relation to Shannons somment, why do you have to being thinGS LIKE COLOUR OF FLAGS INTO IT. A family's son, husband and brother died!!!1 Have a little respect who cares about flags. RIP Stephen, im sure your family are very proud of you just like the whole of Banbridge town is.
Yogi in Ards wrote (815 days ago):
"Rest Easy Soldier" Thank You and God Bless! My Thoughts to Family, Friends & Serving Comrades
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