Tributes to tragic young rugby star

Sep 17 2012

A book of condolence is to be opened at Ravenhill rugby ground in Belfast for the young player killed alongside his father and brother in a farming tragedy.

Ulster Rugby star Nevin Spence, 22, was killed along with his 30 year old brother Graham, who is married with two children, and their 52 year old father Noel.

On Sunday, floral tributes were left at Ravenhill by fans, and later heartbroken relatives of the three men said they had died trying to save each other. They were overcome by gas after falling into a slurry tank at their farm on the Drumlough Road in Hillsborough, Co Down at around 6pm on Saturday night.

The sportsman's sister Emma, a well known artist, was taken to Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital for treatment for the inhalation of the fumes and her condition is described as stable.

There is widespread shock at the devastating blow to the remaining family members, Mrs Essie Spence and her daughter Laura.

The grieving relatives said: "The families of Noel, Graham and Nevin Spence are trying very hard to come to terms with their tragic loss. The three men were very close to each other in life, and that love was expressed in their final moments trying to help one another."

They added: "The family is being supported and comforted by other family members, friends and neighbours. Arrangements for a thanksgiving service for the three is currently underway and details will appear in the press in due course."

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) is investigating the circumstances to establish a clear picture of how the tragedy unfolded.

Nevin Spence was already a star of the Ulster Rugby team and was tipped to have a glittering international career ahead of him. At Ulster's home stadium of Ravenhill his former colleagues were visibly shaken by news of the tragedy.

Chief executive of Ulster Rugby Shane Logan said: "Nevin was a wonderful player but also a wonderful person. He was well liked by everyone who knew him and his loss will be deeply felt by his teammates and everyone at Ulster Rugby. He will be sorely missed and the thoughts of everyone involved in the game are with his family at this time."