‘Girks’ finally lost his brave battle against cancer and passed away on Monday morning.
Richard was Bridlington born and bred. A Bridlington Window Cleaner all of his working days and, a great character on and off the field. Girks was liked by all who met him.
Richard left Bridlington RUFC for a season at Hull & East Riding RUFC in the mid 80's and later played at Hull Ionians RUFC in seasons 1993/94, 94/95 & 95/96. Richard was a strong running robust centre, appearing 52 times for the 1stXV and scoring 9 tries. Richard was Captain of Hull Ionians RUFC when we opened our Brantingham Park facilities in season 1995/96.
Girks returned to Bridlington RUFC the following year and finished his playing days at his home Club. He went on to coach Bridlington and later became Club Chairman.

The Girking family are well known to Hull Ionians with Richard's son Ryan having a spell with us as a player before returning to Bridlington and, Richard's brother Steve also played and coached Hull Ionians, most notably when we appeared in the NPI Cup Final at Twickenham.

‘Girks’ was an absolute pleasure to know and will be missed by all who knew him.
On behalf of all at Hull Ionians RUFC, I would wish to express our deepest condolences to Karen, Ryan, Steve and all of the family.

The funeral will take place on Friday 24th May 2024, 10:30 at Octon Crematorium, then on to Bridlington RUFC.

Chris Taylor
Secretary
Hull Ionians RUFC