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Family and friends bid a sad farewell to officer
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Dromore was packed today for the funeral of Constable James Magee — one of the four young PSNI officers killed in the road crash near Warrenpoint.
The four officers who died in Sunday’s accident were, from left, James Magee,
Kevin Gorman, Declan Greene and Kenny Irvine. The funerals of Constables
Magee, Gorman and Irvine will take place today
In the small market town of Dromore in Co Down hundreds of mourners slowly gathered this morning to say goodbye to James Magee.
Three days ago the news of his death — along with his three colleagues in the horrendous crash — shattered the south Down coast. Today loved ones stood numb, still in shock at what has happened.
In the wake of the fatal accident one friend said the 27-year-old full-time police officer from Newcastle had “a great future in the PSNI”.
That future was cut short on Sunday while on duty.
Following a private prayer service at a local funeral home, people who knew and loved the young officer made the journey to Dromore Cathedral where the funeral service took place.
His parents, Bawn and Freda, twin sister Sarah and younger sister Rachel were among family, friends and colleagues who gathered on the sad winter’s day.
Mourners from across the province stood side by side in and outside the cathedral to remember and celebrate the life of James Magee — a father, son, brother and friend to many.
PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde and ACC for Rural Region Judith Gillespie were among senior police members who came to pay their last respects.
Politicians including the DUP's Jeffrey Donaldson, Jimmy Spratt and Joe McDonald from the RUC George Cross Foundation also attended the funeral.
As the church bell tolled at 11am mourners stood outside heads bowed watching as former police colleagues of Mr Magee carried his coffin into the cathedral.
Leading the service was the Very Rev Stephen Lowry who told mourners that James enjoyed people and “loved to understand what made people tick”.
“When he applied for the PSNI he thought that like many he would have to make a couple of attempts to gain a place, but no. With his high marks and aptitude he got in first time,” he said.
The Rev Lowry also told mourners James had recently passed exams to get into the CID, which was his goal.
“People speak of his good manners his endless acts of kindness and an able mind,” he said.
“His colleagues speak of his willingness and enthusiasm for his work.
“His death has brought to a sudden end many of the hopes that we had for him but it has brought no shame for he died on duty in the prime of his life and with everything to live for.”
It was a tragic accident that happened in moments but will have a lasting imprint on the minds of the surrounding communities.
Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde had previously commented on how hard the accident had affected the families.
“They were family men and it's going to be an extraordinarily difficult few weeks leading up to Christmas as people come to terms with what has been a truly dreadful event,” he said.
As James was being laid to rest miles away in Kilkeel, the funerals of his colleagues in Drumaness and Kilkeel were just beginning.
They all shared a dedication to serve the community which sadly took their lives, but in the eyes of the people they helped protect they died heroes.
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Comments
58 Comments
RIP James, Im never going to forget you xx
Posted by Miriam | 29.11.08, 19:49 GMT
As a past member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and a current 33 year veteran of the Ontario Provincial Police (Canada) my family and I offer our deepest sympathies to these fine officers and their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Responding to help a fellow officer in need and subsequently paying the ultimate terrible sacrifice is indeed honourable and brave but unfortunately such a very sad waste of life.
Posted by Les | 28.11.08, 00:53 GMT
My deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the four men who died tragically. I pray for you all and I believe that you will meet them again. St Anthony help them find peace.
Posted by Shamus | 27.11.08, 23:53 GMT
i worked with declan and knew kenny, kennys family and also his wifes family since i was no aged... they were two lovely fellas.. bt away to a beta place now...
lot of love keni and declan xxxxxx
Posted by April | 27.11.08, 21:07 GMT
I won't pretend to feel your pain, but i'm certainly sharing it. Be strong for each other. You're in my prayers. God bless!
Posted by Gerry | 27.11.08, 19:12 GMT
Very tragic news for the family, friends and colleagues of the four young officers.
Words can't adequately express the sorrow I feel.
God bless.
Posted by Niki Blair | 27.11.08, 16:09 GMT
As a member of law enforcement the death of a fellow officer is something you pray you will never have to experience. I can't imagine losing 4 at the same time. My deepest sympathies to the families, friends and colleagues of these officers, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Michaela Smith
Rutherford County Sheriff's Dept
Tennessee, U.S.A
Posted by Michaela | 27.11.08, 13:01 GMT
I left Belfast in 1955 at the age of 12 and am at the present time a retired public safety officer in California. My thoughts and prayers go out to the familys, friends and co-workers of the officers who were killed in the tragic accident.
William S. Lynn
Concord, California.
Posted by William (Bill) Lynn | 26.11.08, 23:26 GMT
Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy. God bless x
Posted by Laura | 26.11.08, 22:24 GMT
Our police service has come a long way and I hope that the public will understand how part time officers (who generally also have a day job) give up their free time to serve the community- not to take away from the committment and bravery that all 4 gave to their job and to the community, paying the ultimate price.
Posted by Maire | 26.11.08, 22:04 GMT
Deepest sympathies to all the families.May they be comforted at this sad time. May their souls Rest in Peace.
Posted by kelly | 26.11.08, 21:44 GMT
Deepest sympathy to the families and relatives of the four policemen....what a waste of life and what tragedy this waste leaves behind.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families.
Posted by s gilmartin | 26.11.08, 20:58 GMT
god bless you all and your families
Posted by eileen | 26.11.08, 20:43 GMT
my deepest sympathy to all the familys Pauline from lisburn
Posted by pauline mckeown | 26.11.08, 20:37 GMT
My sincere deepest sympathy to the Families, Friends and Colleagues of the 4 young Officers killed in this tragic accident.
Rest In Peace.
Posted by David | 26.11.08, 19:54 GMT
i knew Declan Greene's son very well i met him last summer in the caravan park in kilkeal me and Darrin became good friends i never expectid this to happen him r his family my greatist wishis go out to the Greene family and the other 3 PSNI officers that also died in this accedint =( R.I.P x x x x x x x x
Posted by danielle murphy, warrenpoint | 26.11.08, 19:24 GMT
deepest sympathies to the families and friends.
Posted by karen | 26.11.08, 18:29 GMT
Honest, hard-working policemen should always be held in the highest regard in any right-minded society. It is their dedication to keeping people safe and putting themselves at risk that make them heroes.
These men should be honored by ALL segments of NI society, they equally deserve nothing less.
I hope their families have the utmost support from their community during this unfairly difficult time.
Posted by Scott Richards | 26.11.08, 17:17 GMT
Deepest sympathies to all the families involved. As an ex- security force member it brings back so many dark memories of the past. God bless to you all. From all ex-N Ireland SF here in Iraq. God Bless.
Posted by Peter T | 26.11.08, 16:21 GMT
deepest sympathy to all of the families, colleagues and close friends of these brave men.
R.I.P
Pawel from Poland
Posted by pawel | 26.11.08, 12:14 GMT
58 Comments