Northern Ireland

Video: Funeral of Belfast crash victim Kevin Kearney (27) takes place

A SON of dissident murder victim Kevin Kearney was described as "loving and caring" and "full of craic" at his funeral in north Belfast.

Kevin Kearney junior (27) died on Friday when his sports car crashed into a tree on York Road.

No passengers were in the car at the time.

Mourners gathered on Tuesday at Holy Family Church on Limestone Road for Requiem Mass for Mr Kearney, whose father Kevin (46) was murdered in October 2013.

Fr Paul Morely told the congregation that he came from a "very close-knit family" and was a "loving and caring son".

"Kevin loved his family, partner Katie, stepson Corey and baby Kevin jnr. They always came first with him and he regularly planned day trips and weekends away for them.

"Kevin was always full of fun and the life and soul of every social gathering, a real joker always full of craic and making everyone laugh... and very famous for his love of shopping whether it was the latest style in Hugo Boss or cars such as the Toyota Supra."

Kevin Kearney (27) died in a car crash on Friday. Picture by Justin Kernoghan
Kevin Kearney (27) died in a car crash on Friday. Picture by Justin Kernoghan Kevin Kearney (27) died in a car crash on Friday. Picture by Justin Kernoghan

Fr Morely added: "Kevin loved to take his mum to town, treating her to lunch and to pick treats for Katie and the boys."

The priest also spoke of the pain experienced by Mr Kearney when his father was murdered.

"Kevin lost his father three years ago and he found it very hard. His uncle Martin then became his rock - Martin was a huge influence from an early age as throughout his adult life.

"Kevin enjoyed life to the fullest and his smile would always brighten a dark room. He will be sorely missed but his memory will live on as he touched so many.

"We trust in God and now leave Kevin in God’s hands."

Mourners at the funeral of Kevin Kearney in north Belfast. Picture by Justin Kernoghan
Mourners at the funeral of Kevin Kearney in north Belfast. Picture by Justin Kernoghan Mourners at the funeral of Kevin Kearney in north Belfast. Picture by Justin Kernoghan

The body of Kevin Kearney senior was found in Alexandra Park, close to Limestone Road, in October 2013.

The dissident republican group calling itself the 'IRA' later claimed responsibility for his killing.

The father-of-four, who was known to police, was alleged to be a drug dealer - a claim his partner strongly denied.

Police have appealed to anyone with information about Friday's crash, which happened at around 11.40am, to contact them on 101.

Following Requiem Mass on Tuesday, Mr Kearney was buried at Milltown Cemetery.