Band organise special evening for Richard

The Pride of the Prince William Flute Band organised the event on Saturday - which would have been Richard's 34th birthday.

A spokepserson for the band said that they had arragned the evening because Richard, who had been a member of the band for five years, was 'loved by so many' and 'forgotten by none.'

"It was with great pride we were able to hold such an event and it makes us proud to know that Dicky's life meant so much to everyone," said the spokesperson.

"We know he would have been looking down smiling from the big blue room in the sky and only because of him could he have got so many of his friends under one roof."

He said the band members would like to thank all those who attended the evening which was held at the First Blues Supporters Club in Sackville Street.

And he also praised the generosity of all who those who attended, which he described as 'outstanding.' Donations had been made by his work colleagues at Coca Cola and members of other bands who were unable to attend.

He said the members of the band hoped that it would in some small way to help Richard's family in the difficult months ahead.

The band thanked Ballycraigy Sons of Ulster Antrim, Ballymacash Young Conquerors, Lambeg Orange and Blue, Lisburn Fusiliers, Lisburn Young Defenders and Pride of Knockmore Flute Band for attending in such numbers and to Killkluney Volunteers, Millar Memorial, Pride of the Village and Queensway Flute Band for their generous donations.