Colin Bell ‘humbled’ by Gael of Year honour
A Newry man has been recognised as ‘Gael of the Year’ at the 122nd Annual Dinner Dance of the United Irish Counties Association of New York.
Colin Bell was honoured for the vital work he does as part of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT).
Colin and his wife, Eithne, founded the Trust following the tragic death of their son, Kevin, in a hit-and-run incident in New York in 2013.
The KBRT aims to alleviate the financial hardship of bereaved families repatriating the body of a loved one - who has died abroad in sudden or tragic circumstances - back to Ireland.
Colin said he felt “very humbled” to be an honoree ‘Gael of the Year’ and on the charity’s Facebook page he said: “What a wonderful evening and many thanks to the committee for their $10,000 donation to the Trust.”
Speaking to the Newry Reporter, Colin added: “It’s lovely to get recognition, but that’s not what we do it for.
“It’s still nice for people to appreciate what we are doing.
“We get great support from New York and the donation is very much appreciated. That will help the next family.
“We’re taking home more than 30 people every month, so all support is appreciated.
“This is Kevin’s legacy and it’s Kevin's work.”
The aim of the United Irish Counties Association (UICA) is to organise and represent all the counties of Ireland, for social and cultural purposes, in New York.
Through the arts, social events and the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the UICA is a vibrant organisation promoting a positive image of the Irish in New York City, while supporting them and their descendants.