Tournament will pay tribute to Ric

The Southampton midfielder has donated a pair of autographed football boots to be auctioned at the event, which will perpetuate the memory of a Ballymena man who died in tragic circumstances last year.

Richard Moore, known to his friends as Ric, passed away in December after choking on food while on a night out.

The Ric Moore Memorial Cup - which will be played for at the Showgrounds this Saturday from 12-4pm - will help remember the hugely popular local man.

Ric played for Ballymena Saturday Morning League team Wakehurst Star and was a keen supporter of the team.

Star will compete in the pre-season tournament along with Wakehurst Strollers, Ahoghill Rovers and a team made up of Ric’s friends, colleagues and former team mates.

There will be a collection taken up throughout the day and proceeds will go to the Causeway Hospital ICU, where Ric was treated prior to his death. “Ric was a much-loved and respected member of our club and we felt that a tournament would be the perfect way to perpetuate his memory,” explained tournament organiser Jason Connolly.

“The teams involved were delighted and honoured to be asked to take part and we have had terrific support from Ric’s family as well. We would appeal for as many people as possible to turn up on Saturday and raise money for a worthy cause.”

Jason has also thanked referees Bert Purdy and Derrick Dempster along with Don Stirling of Stirling Trophies for providing trophies and medals for the tournament free of charge.