Northern Ireland

Co Armagh family suffer loss of second brother in road crash

By Suzanne McGonagle

A CO Armagh family has been plunged into mourning again following the death of a second brother in a road crash.

Father-of-six Neil Stewart, from Markethill, died after his motorcycle was involved in a collision near Newry on Saturday night.

It is the second road tragedy to hit the family after Mr Stewart's brother Howard also lost his life in a crash several years ago.

Mr Stewart (49), a former Territorial Army soldier, was travelling with his wife Sandra - who was a pillion passenger - when the collision involving another vehicle happened close to the junction of Appletree Hill shortly after 7pm.

Mrs Stewart was taken to hospital for treatment.

Her husband, who served in Afghanistan, is from a well-known family who are closely involved with Markethill Festival and Markethill Horse and Pony Driving Club.

They are also linked to the John Hunter Accordion Band, who paid tribute to him last night by posting a photograph online.

Mr Stewart was described as "a real gentleman".

Meanwhile, the funerals of another two weekend crash victims are due to take place tomorrow.

Steven Sunstrum (19), from the Cregagh estate in east Belfast, also died on Saturday - three days after he suffered serious injuries in a collision at the junction of the Castlereagh and Upper Knockbreda roads.

The victim, who was known by the nickname Giggles, was a former pupil at Breda Academy and his funeral is due to take at Roselawn Crematorium at 1pm.

He is survived by his parents Steven and Jacqueline, brother William and partner Lauren.

Co Tyrone crash victim Stephen Wilkinson will also be laid to rest tomorrow.

The 26-year-old pedestrian died following a collision involving a car in the Chapel Street area of Cookstown in the early hours of Sunday.

A former pupil at Holy Trinity College, his Requiem Mass will be celebrated at the Church of The Blessed Sacrament, Mullinahoe at 11am.

Stephen Wilkinson, who was from the Ardboe area, was knocked down by a car and killed in Cookstown
Stephen Wilkinson, who was from the Ardboe area, was knocked down by a car and killed in Cookstown Stephen Wilkinson, who was from the Ardboe area, was knocked down by a car and killed in Cookstown

He is survived by his parents Sharon and Christopher, brother Ryan and family circle.

The three deaths over the weekend brought the total number of fatalities on the roads so far this year to 47.