Bringing Kevin Home...

The repatriation of our beloved friend Kevin Bell has been confirmed, his remains will arrive home early Wednesday morning (19th June) and leave Heaney Funeral Parlour in Newry, at 2pm.

The requiem mass for Kevin will take place Saturday 22nd June in Cloghogue Chapel at 12 noon. 

Kevin was known far and wide, and the vast number of people wanting to pay their respects is phenomenal. 

An online book of condolences has been opened, you can pay your respects here http://destinationnewry.com/deathnotice/memory-of-kevin.php

Last night (Monday) a vigil was held in remembrance of Kevin in New York. A huge crowd gathered at 233rd St Oneida Avenue, where the tragic accident took place. James Moynagh, Kevin's flat mate and co-work sent a text to say hundreds had turned out for the occasion organised by the Irish Centre, New York. A true testament to our dear friend, and how his short life touched so many hearts.

A memorial service has been arranged for Friday (21st June) at in St. Barnabas Church 409 East 241st Street, Woodlawn at 7pm.

A legend that will never be forgotten.

Fundraising Events for our beloved rascal...

Various fundraising events are circulating the internet, majority of which are on Facebook.

Here are confirmed events to date. Every penny will be accounted for and go towards the Kevin Bell Remembrance Fund. 

Kevin often frequented the Canal Court, so it seems only fitting that the first fundraiser in his memory will be held there.  Thanks to Quizmaster Aidan O' Rourke for organising tomorrow night, Tuesday 18th June, so quickly. It is safe to say that Kevin was an avid Down supporter, regularly seen sporting his beloved county's colours, so I can only imagine he'll be devastated that he is missing out on the team appearance and honoured that his idol Benny Coulter has offered a jersey up for auctioning, along with Kevin McKernan's Man of the Match top. Quiz begins 9pm.

Next up is the Repatriation Run, or walk for those of us who are athletically challenged, which will take place Thursday evening. Details provided in poster below.

Newry Mitchells GFC are hosting a Big Breakfast morning in Bellini's. 

Drop by for a wee bacon sandwich. All details provided in posted below.

Then back to Bellini's Friday night - this without doubt would be the favourite fundraising event in his name - a ZUMBATHON will take place between 7 - 9pm. 

Contact Ann at Academy Dance Studio on 07718093136 for further details.

After consultation with the Bell Family, the team at Bosco for Africa have decided to go ahead with their fundraising concert on Friday 21 June. The proceeds of the concert will now be split equally between the repatriation fund and the Africa project. The concert, starring West End performer Peter Corry, will be held in the Bell family's honour and in honour of Kevin's love of music and craic.
The concert will take place on Friday 21st June at 7.30pm in Newry Town Hall and tickets are available from Carlin Records and by calling 07732 277639 or 07708 781531.

Kevin Bell was a lot of things, a friend, a joker and surprisingly to some, an award winning irish dancer. A Night For Kevin - Craic agus Ceol, will see some of his old dancing partners take to the stage in his honour. This is one not to be missed. Tickets are on sale NOW from Killeavy Club.

Donation envelopes are now available and donation drop off points have been placed at Newry Golf Inn, Good To Go Newsagents, Sugar Island and Zest Foodbar, Buttercrane. 

Each of these events to raise funds for our dearest friend Kevin's repatriation have received the blessing from the Bell family - those wishing to plan a fundraiser, don't be hesitant to get in contact. 

Grace.

07834518595

graceyor@gmail.com

Trish Heaney
07720835547
trish.heaney114@gmail.com

A Gentleman that will never be forgotten...

Kevin Bell, a 26 year old Killeavy native was killed Sunday morning (16th June 2013) in New York, victim of a hit-and-run. The accident occurred on 233rd Street, Oneida Avenue between the hours of 3.30 - 4.00am (NY Time).

Kevin was a well-known butcher in William Baird’s of Newry before leaving last August for New York. A past pupil of Cloughogue Primary School and Abbey Grammar School, Kevin was very involved in local GAA, and the musical society. The news of his tragic death has shocked the entire Newry & Mourne area.

Kevin was a larger than life character, and although it may be cliché he was the life and soul of every party. Everyone knew and loved him, and those who didn't know him, knew of him. This site has been set up to help efforts in raising funds for the repatriation of our dear friend. 

Following Kevin’s tragic death a number of fundraising initiatives have been arranged.

Tuesday 18^th June - Quiz and Auction in the Canal Court Hotel at 9pm.

Thursday 20^th June - 5km walk and 5km/10km run at Greenbank Industrial Estate in Newry will take place. Registration from 6pm at the Shamrocks Clubrooms. The 5km walk will start at 7pm with the 5km/10km, run beginning at 7.30pm. This event will not be chipped and it is not a race so it is suitable for all abilities. It is £10 to enter with additional donations accepted and sponsorship opportunities. Sponsor cards are available with all of the details available on Facebook.  

Friday 21st June - After consultation with the Bell Family, the team at Bosco for Africa have decided to go ahead with their fundraising concert on Friday 21 June. The proceeds of the concert will now be split equally between the repatriation fund and the Africa project. The concert, starring West End performer Peter Corry, will be held in the Bell family's honour and in honour of Kevin's love of music and craic. The concert will take place on  at 7.30pm in Newry Town Hall and tickets are available from Carlin Records and by calling 07732 277639 or 07708 781531.

Friday 28th June - Night Swim at Camloch Lake. Minimum entry fee £5. Registration will take place from 9.30pm with the swim at 10.30pm.

Saturday 29th June - A Night for Kevin, Craic agus Ceol in Killeavy Youth Club. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets £10. 

All of the proceeds from events will go towards the Kevin Bell Remembrance Fund. Many sponsors and volunteers have already pledged their support and sincere thanks is due to all those involved.

Donation envelopes will be circulating the Newry & Mourne area as of this evening (Monday). Drop off points include Newry Golf Inn and Good to Go Newsagents, Sugar Island. 

An account has been set up at Newry Credit Union, anyone who wishes to make a donation towards the remembrance fund can do so.


B/C Code - BOFIGB2B
IBAN - GB98BOFI 90233884078816
Sort Code - 902338
Acc num - 84078816
Ref - KBRF0613

The family have asked for privacy at this difficult and distressful time, funeral arrangements will be announced later in the week. They are overwhelmed already with the efforts of friends and neighbours and the out pouring of support.

You'll be missed, you rascal.x

Anyone wishing to publicise of promote a fundraising event, at home or overseas, please contact Grace O' Reilly - graceyor@gmail.com or 07834518595

Details of events

Quiz & Auction https://www.facebook.com/events/272842219527468/?fref=ts

Contact:

Trish Heaney - trish.heaney114@gmail.com or 07720835547

Repatriation Run https://www.facebook.com/events/458564384235413/ 

Contact the following: 

Paddy Duffy - Paddy.duffy@newryandmourne.gov.uk or 07714855290, 

Eddy Curtis - Eddy.curtis@newryandmourne.gov.uk  or 07801676554, 

Yasmin Mackin - yasminmackin@live.co.uk  or 07927933548 or 

Deborah Loughran - debs238@hotmail.com.

Night Swim 

Contact: Nicola McCamley - nicolamccamley@outlook.com or  07714163541, 

A Night for Kevin, Craic agus Ceol in Killeavy Youth Club

Contact the following:

Sinead Reel - 07900494616

Grace O' Reilly - graceyor@gmail.com or 07834518595