It is with great sadness that the Commanding Officer must confirm the death of Ranger Richard Lafferty of the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment (1 R IRISH). At around 2230 on Saturday 7 March 2009, Ranger Lafferty was struck by a vehicle on the A518 near Telford.  He was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Richard Lafferty was born on 21 March 1989.  Originally from Ballymoney, Co Antrim, he attended Ballymoney High before passing out of the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, on 17 October 2008.

Initially having been posted in to A Company, 1 R IRISH, Richard volunteered to join the Mortar Platoon.  He had just completed an arduous six-week cadre with the Platoon, impressing the team with his new found abilities, his dedication and his enthusiasm.

Outside the Battalion, Richard enjoyed sports-including football, boxing and rugby, the latter in which he competed for the Ballymoney Under 18s team.  In his spare time, he was also a keen drummer.

Richard leaves behind his father Garry, his mother Rhonda and his sister Lynda.

 
Lieutenant Colonel Ed Freely, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion the Royal Irish Regiment, made the following tribute to Ranger Lafferty:

"His loss is a great blow to the Regiment.  He will be hugely missed.  Having joined the Battalion last October, he had a full and exciting career in front of him.  What he had shown of himself in such a short period of time was extraordinary-he impressed on his recent cadre, displaying skills and a maturity expected of a more senior soldier. Popular, energetic and proud, Richard was the epitome of the Irish soldier.  At this difficult time, all our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Major Vance Crow, Ranger Lafferty's Company Commander said:
 
"Rgr Lafferty had only recently joined D Coy, but within that short period of time he had made a positive impact on those he worked with. An energetic soldier Rgr Lafferty clearly enjoyed being in the Army. His cheeky grin and cheerful disposition will be sorely missed by all those who served with him. Our deepest sympathy and condolences are extended to his family."

Warrant Officer Class 2 Furlong, the Mortar Platoon Second in Command, said this of Ranger Lafferty:
 
"In a Platoon that relies heavily upon team work, Rgr Lafferty was the epitome of a Team player.  He was a bright soldier who learned quickly and performed to a very high standard-highlighted on the recent Battalion mortar cadre.  He was a loyal and likeable character who in a short time had become a truly valued member of the Platoon.  To have lost Ranger Lafferty in such tragic circumstances has come as a great shock to us all.  I know I speak for the entire Platoon when I say he will be sorely missed."

Lance Corporal Kristoffer McStay said this about his colleague:
 
"Ricky came across to me as a very likeable and funny lad.  I had the pleasure of a few nights out with him since he joined the Platoon.  He and I had hit it off and I knew from the start that it was the beginning of a brilliant friendship.  One of his talents was making his friends laugh - this will remain in all our thoughts.  I am flattered to have met such a person.

Ranger Declan Donnelly went through training with Richard and was in the same Platoon:
 
"Richard was an absolute credit to his family.  Funny, giving and genuine he was a very good friend with a smile consistently on his face.  He will be missed by everyone that knew him."

Ranger Stefan Campbell had this to say:
 
"Ricky was a wonderful mate.  I only met him before the Mortar cadre.  He was always smiling though and would do anything for you.  I will always remember how much he jumped when the Mortars went off! He is one of the best people I know-he always made me laugh.  He will be sorely missed."

Rgr Shane Forde, also in the Mortar Platoon, recalled this about Ranger Lafferty:
 
"Laff was a good mate and a good soldier when he put his mind to it.  He always put his head down and tried his hardest – nothing would get in his way.  He was an amazing friend and he will be missed by all of his friends and the Battalion alike.  He will not be forgotten."

Ranger Adam Dunlop, from the same home town and also in the Mortar Platoon stated:
 
"I first met Ricky outside a bar in Ballymoney where he asked me if I was in the Army - not the done thing in Northern Ireland!  From then on we have been friends and he has come to me for advice on mortars amongst other things.  Ricky was a very likeable person and a true friend.  I will miss him greatly."