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20/03/2009
Second Masserene Soldier Buried
The second of the two soldiers tragically murdered outside their barracks in Antrim was buried in London today.
Sapper Patrick Azimkar, who is from the capital, was shot dead along with fellow soldier Mark Quinsey as they collected a fast-food delivery at the gates of Massareene Army base in Antrim, on 7 March.
Just before the multi-faith funeral service was held for Sapper Azimkar, 21, at the Guards Chapel in Birdcage Walk, his last heroic act was revealed.
Lieutenant Colonel Roger Lewis said Sapper Azimkar pulled a fellow soldier out of the way of the bullets.
As six members of his 38th Engineer Regiment carried his coffin into Guards Chapel for the funeral, Col Lewis said fellow serviceman Sapper Marc Fitzpatrick, who was injured in the attack, attributed his survival to "his best mate Pat's selfless action".
Col Lewis said: "He told me two days ago, 'If it wasn't for Pat I would not even be here - despite the chaos, he was the one who pulled me to the ground and saved my life'."
Today's second funeral follows that of Sapper Quinsey, 23, from Birmingham, on Wednesday.
The pair - who were with 25 Field Squadron of 38 Engineer Regiment - died from their wounds while the two pizza delivery men were injured as more than 60 bullets were fired in 30 seconds from automatic weapons.
Dissident Republican group the Real IRA has claimed responsibility for the shootings.
Both soldiers were set for deployment to Afghanistan within hours of the killings.
Sapper Azimkar, who was known as Pat, was a talented footballer who had trials with Tottenham Hotspur when he was younger.
See: Murdered Soldier Had Spurs' Trial
See: Murdered Soldier Laid To Rest
(BMcC/JM)
Sapper Patrick Azimkar, who is from the capital, was shot dead along with fellow soldier Mark Quinsey as they collected a fast-food delivery at the gates of Massareene Army base in Antrim, on 7 March.
Just before the multi-faith funeral service was held for Sapper Azimkar, 21, at the Guards Chapel in Birdcage Walk, his last heroic act was revealed.
Lieutenant Colonel Roger Lewis said Sapper Azimkar pulled a fellow soldier out of the way of the bullets.
As six members of his 38th Engineer Regiment carried his coffin into Guards Chapel for the funeral, Col Lewis said fellow serviceman Sapper Marc Fitzpatrick, who was injured in the attack, attributed his survival to "his best mate Pat's selfless action".
Col Lewis said: "He told me two days ago, 'If it wasn't for Pat I would not even be here - despite the chaos, he was the one who pulled me to the ground and saved my life'."
Today's second funeral follows that of Sapper Quinsey, 23, from Birmingham, on Wednesday.
The pair - who were with 25 Field Squadron of 38 Engineer Regiment - died from their wounds while the two pizza delivery men were injured as more than 60 bullets were fired in 30 seconds from automatic weapons.
Dissident Republican group the Real IRA has claimed responsibility for the shootings.
Both soldiers were set for deployment to Afghanistan within hours of the killings.
Sapper Azimkar, who was known as Pat, was a talented footballer who had trials with Tottenham Hotspur when he was younger.
See: Murdered Soldier Had Spurs' Trial
See: Murdered Soldier Laid To Rest
(BMcC/JM)
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09 March 2009
Murdered Soldier Had Spurs' Trial
It has emerged that one of the soldiers shot dead by the Real IRA had soccer trials with Tottenham Hotspur.
Murdered Soldier Had Spurs' Trial
It has emerged that one of the soldiers shot dead by the Real IRA had soccer trials with Tottenham Hotspur.
07 March 2011
Sappers' Murders Commemorated
As suspected republican dissidents prepare to stand trial for the murders, a service of commemoration will be held today to mark the second anniversary of the shock murder of two soldiers at Massereene barracks in Antrim.
Sappers' Murders Commemorated
As suspected republican dissidents prepare to stand trial for the murders, a service of commemoration will be held today to mark the second anniversary of the shock murder of two soldiers at Massereene barracks in Antrim.
18 March 2009
Murdered Soldier Laid To Rest
The funeral of one of the two soldiers shot dead by the Real IRA in Antrim has taken place. Mark Quinsey, 23, (pictured, on right) was murdered on March 7th with his colleague Patrick Azimkar (also pictured) as they took delivery of a pizza at Massereene Barracks earlier this month.
Murdered Soldier Laid To Rest
The funeral of one of the two soldiers shot dead by the Real IRA in Antrim has taken place. Mark Quinsey, 23, (pictured, on right) was murdered on March 7th with his colleague Patrick Azimkar (also pictured) as they took delivery of a pizza at Massereene Barracks earlier this month.
28 October 2009
Sapper Murder Cops Make Fresh Arrest
Police investigating the Real IRA murders of two soldiers at an Antrim Army base in March have arrested a 37-year-old man. As a leading republican already accused of the shock killings continues a separate bid to be freed on bail, the PSNI arrested another man in Bellaghy today (Wednesday).
Sapper Murder Cops Make Fresh Arrest
Police investigating the Real IRA murders of two soldiers at an Antrim Army base in March have arrested a 37-year-old man. As a leading republican already accused of the shock killings continues a separate bid to be freed on bail, the PSNI arrested another man in Bellaghy today (Wednesday).
03 April 2009
Sapper Murder Suspect Freed
A young man arrested in connection with the murder of two soldiers in Antrim has been released without charge. The 19-year-old teenager was arrested on Thursday morning in Bellaghy by police. However, a police spokeswoman today confirmed the male had been released on bail, although this is pending a report by the Public Prosecution Service.
Sapper Murder Suspect Freed
A young man arrested in connection with the murder of two soldiers in Antrim has been released without charge. The 19-year-old teenager was arrested on Thursday morning in Bellaghy by police. However, a police spokeswoman today confirmed the male had been released on bail, although this is pending a report by the Public Prosecution Service.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
