PSNI widow lays son to rest beside stepfather 11 years after murder

By Q Radio News

The stepson of murdered PSNI officer Stephen Carroll - who was shot by dissident republicans over 10 years ago - has been laid to rest in Co Down.   

Shane Carroll's private funeral was held in-line with social distancing rules in Banbridge earlier.  

The married father-of-nine passed away suddenly at his Katesbridge home on Tuesday. 

Speaking before the 48-year-old was interred alongside the first PSNI officer to be killed by terrorists, his mum Kate said he never got over the 2009 murder. 

"Shane always used to say that if anything happened to him that was what he wanted.

"My reply was always that I'd be there long before him...how could I have been so wrong about that?"

Shane, whose body was discovered by his wife Elaine, had fought depression for many years. 

"A very distressing thing for me is that Steve and Shane were both 48 when they died," his mum added. 

Stephen Carroll was targeted by the Continuity IRA in Craigavon just days after sappers Mark Quinsey and Patrick Azimcar died in a Real IRA gun attack at Massereene Army Barracks.

His widow Kate admitted she never thought she'd have to face a similar grief again.

"I saw Shane for the last time - he was in his coffin," she said.

"My heart is breaking - but at least he looks at peace now."

A death notice said Shane was a "much loved husband of Elaine and devoted daddy of Dean, Katelyn, Jordan, Skye, Carley-Rose, Riley, Ariana, Harley and Ella-Rose and darling Son of Kate."