KATE SET FOR BIG APPLE

Kate Carroll was invited to take part in the parade, one of the biggest in the world, by members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) after meeting officers at the Police Gaelic Football tournament in Belfast in October last year.

Kate, whose husband Stephen was murdered by the Continuity IRA when he attended a call-out in Craigavon last March, is being hailed as a symbol of hope for the future of Northern Ireland such has been her bravery and courage since Constable Carroll's death.

It is seen as fitting then that Kate takes part in the celebration, which she said is a time of togetherness in New York.

"The parade in New York is a time when everybody from every community comes together to celebrate unity," Kate told the Leader.

"It represents a day when community relations are at their best."

A number of NYPD officers contacted Kate in the days following the car bomb which left Co Antrim police officer Constable Peadar Heffron in a critical condition in hospital.

She said, "The NYPD officers told me they cannot understand how Irishmen are killing fellow Irishmen.

"In America there is much more repsect for the police they said.

"They are absolutely disgusted by this latest attack and offered their prayers for Peadar as well as Steve, who they said is one of their fallen heroes."

Kate met Constable Heffron last year when the PSNI GAA team, presented her with a replica rosebowl in honour of her husband.

She said, "He was a really nice man when I met him

"I was so happy and relieved for them when they got good news that he had regained consciousness."