Seapatrick family mourn loss of young soldier
Tributes have been paid to a Royal Irish Regiment soldier from Banbridge who was killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday.
L/Cpl Stephen McKee, 27, whose parents are parishioners of Seapatrick Parish, was taking part in an operation in Helmand province when his vehicle struck a roadside bomb.
His wife Carley said he was a hero and the best husband anyone could have.
As well as his wife, he leaves behind parents Heather and Bobby, brothers Michael, Gareth and Robert and sisters Kelly and Rebecca.
His two-day-old daughter passed away last year.
Seapatrick rector, Archdeacon John Scott has spoken of his role in the aftermath of the tragedy:
"Several people have already expressed comment upon the ongoing tragedy of loss of life in Afghanistan - of which L'Cpl Stephen McKee is the latest fatality. My priority at this sad time is to provide spiritual and pastoral support to the McKee family circle in this nightmare that has been thrust upon them.
"When events like this hit the headlines everyone thinks of the immediate - frenetic activity is the order of the day. Most forget about the past and the future and focus upon the present.
"The pastoral role of the cleric in such situations is to provide continuity. The McKee family as a household have suffered more than any one family could reasonably be expected to bear in terms of bereavement in recent times.
"Just a year ago Stephen (who has just lost his life) and his wife Carley lost their little baby Keeley the day after she was born - Keeley was brought home and buried in Banbridge as Stephen will be. Since that sad event the wider family circle have suffered the death of no less than 5 family members through natural causes.
"One cannot blame any family in such circumstances for beginning to loose faith. My role is to be with them and not just bring comfort but try to speak meaningful Christian understanding into this situation of ongoing tragedy and loss of life - and that will be a job not just for today and tomorrow but for weeks, months and years to come."
The date of the funeral is yet to be announced but will be with full military honours.