The brother of a Co Armagh man murdered in Bessbrook on Wednesday has spoken of his heartache, just days after losing his best friend suddenly.
Kevin McCabe has described the last few days as “the worst thing I’ve ever had to experience” after losing his older sibling Aidan and his best friend just three days apart.
Police say they are currently investigating the murder of Aidan McCabe, found dead in a property in Acorn Hill in Bessbrook on Wednesday morning.
The community is also mourning the sudden loss of father-of-one Conor Kearns, who tragically passed away on Monday.
Posting on Facebook, grief-stricken Kevin McCabe said: “Okay, so the last few days have been the worst thing I’ve ever had to experience.
“Firstly I lost my best friend Conor Kearns, and three days later I lose my big brother Aidan McCabe. Absolutely shocked.
“You really don’t know what’s around the corner and have your last conversation with someone.
“Aidan was always so generous, two days ago we met up for a few drinks and he was trying to calm me down about Conor; not once did I ever have an argument with him. He will be missed by all his friends and family. I love you brother.”
A funeral notice for Mr Kearns, from Camlough, read: “Conor died suddenly at his home on March 10. May he rest in peace. Treasured father of Lorcan and much loved son of Kevin and Sandra and loving brother of Kevin.
“Deeply regretted by his son, mother, father, brother and Aileen and their son Keegan, grandparents, aunts, uncles and entire family circle and friends.”
Mr Kearn’s funeral will leave his house on Friday at 10 am for 11am Requiem Mass in the Church of St. Malachy, Carrickcruppen, Camlough. Interment immediately afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Mr Kearn’s former Primary School, St Joseph’s Bessbrook, posted: “The Governors, Principal and Staff of St Joseph’s PS were saddened to hear of the untimely passing of our past pupil Conor Kearns.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to his son Lorcan, his partner Aileen, his parents Kevin and Sandra, his brother Kevin and the entire family circle.”
Shane O’Neills GAA added: “The club would like to offer its sympathy to the family of our former underage footballer Conor Kearns who passed away recently. May he rest in peace.”
Tributes have poured in on social media, with one woman describing him as “a dear friend and such a lovely person”.
Adding: “It’s so surreal shocked isn’t the word, you always made time for everyone and where such a happy person to be around but goes to show it’s not always how it seems. You where such a loving dad to your beautiful baby boy Logan; cruel world and society that we are in rip wee man only the good die young.”
