SPECIAL SEND OFF FOR CAR FAN CECIL

Cecil McCutcheon, who died after a car accident on the Katesbridge Road, was laid to rest following a special tribute from some of his fellow car enthusiasts who performed a lap of honour last Tuesday July 13.

Eleven Ford Mark II Escorts travelled in a respectful procession along the Katebsridge Road en route to Banbridge New Cemetery after the 28-year-old's funeral at Drumgooland Presbyterian Church.

The unique tribute, which saw the road closed off for a short time as friends "diffed" in honour of their friend, was a comfort to Cecil's family, according to older sister Michelle.

"It made the day really special for us," she told the Leader. "We know it's what he would have wanted and if he was looking down he would have been so happy to see that."

Friends of the popular man, who worked as a labourer and had just moved into a house with his girlfriend in Moneyslane, travelled from far and wide for the funeral.

"It meant the world to us, all those people being there for him," Michelle explained. "We would like to say a big thank-you to everyone who came to the funeral and especially to people who brought the cars.

"Some of them came from Rathfriland and others from further away. One of Cecil's friends even travelled over from Scotland."

Michelle said the family are still in shock after Cecil's sudden death two weeks ago but the support from friends and neighbours has been a great help.

Speaking at his funeral Rev David Somerville said Cecil's death is a great loss to his family.

He said, "When I asked his family to sum him up they simply said - 'He lived life to the full'. He will be sorely missed."