Respects paid to tragic Rangers fan, Ryan Baird

The father of two tragically lost his life two weeks ago while on his way to watch his favourite team, Glasgow Rangers.

Rangers manager, Mark Warburton was among the hundreds of mourners to pay respects to the loving father, son, brother, fiancé and uncle, who was passionate about football.

Ryan, who had moved to Sanquhar in Dumfries and Galloway and was engaged to be married next August, lost his life on Saturday, October 1 after a coach transporting Rangers fans to the Ibrox Stadium overturned in East Ayrshire. Police in Scotland are investigating the incident.

Rev Neil Bingham told how Ryan was always fond of a prank, but that also meant that pranks would be played on him. Rev Bingham said: “Ryan’s brother John was telling me this story about a prank he had played on Ryan when they were growing up.

“He loosened the front wheel on Ryan’s bike. Ryan went out for a cycle and while on the bike, he decided to pull a wheelie.

“The front wheel flew off and went bouncing down the road, with Ryan trying to keep control.

“Next thing Ryan is over the handlebars, before hitting his face on the road and losing two teeth.”

Some of the mourners laughed as Rev Bingham added: “John went on to tell me that the prank had been carried out by himself and Ryan’s other brother, Raymond, though it had mostly been Raymond.”

Ryan had been a member of the Orange Order, the Royal Black Preceptory, the Apprentice Boys of Derry and several flute bands. Orange brethren from across the UK, including local UUP representatives Roy Beggs snr and Roy Beggs jnr, paid their respects to the popular Larne man.

Ryan’s coffin was carried out of the church to the ‘Match of the Day’ theme, before interment at Ballycarry New Cemetery.