Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Flowers are laid by young fans at Ravenhill over the weekend. Paul Faith/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Ulster Rugby open book of condolence for Nevin Spence

The family has issued a statement to say the three Spence men expressed their love for each in their final moments by “trying to help one another”.

A BOOK OF Condolence will be opened for rugby player Nevin Spence at Ulster’s Ravenhill grounds later this morning.

The club said that both the office and grounds will be open from 9am to 5pm every day this week for those wishing to leave expressions of sympathy.

Fans have already started leaving flowers, notes and other tributes around the grounds.

The rising young star died tragically in a farming accident over the weekend, aged just 22. His father Noel (58) and 30-year-old brother Graham also lost their lives after entering a slurry tank on their farm in Hillsborough, County Down.

Nevin’s sister Emma is currently recuperating from the incident. She was treated for fume inhalation at Royal Victoria Hospital but was discharged last night. Both siblings went to the aid of their brother and father after they got into trouble in the tank.

The men are survived by mother and wife Essie Spence and her daughters Emma and Laura. A statement on behalf of the family has been released by the Reverend Rodney Stout, senior pastor at Ballynahinch Baptist Church:

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.

Arrangements for a service for the three deceased are being made and details will be available to the press “in due course”.

The rubgy community also wakes up in mourning today as it comes to terms with the loss of one of its most exciting young players. Described as “gifted” by Ulster Rugby, Nevin had an extremely bright future in the game. He made his debut with his club in 2010 and had represented Ulster on 42 occasions.

He was named the IRFU Players’ Association Young Player of the Year in 2011 and started training with Ireland’s Six Nations squad earlier this year.

“Nevin was a wonderful player but also a wonderful person,” said chief executive of Ulster, Shane Logan. “He was well like by everyone who knew him and his loss will be deeply felt by his teammates and everyone at Ulster Rugby.”

Director of Rugby David Humphreys said the club would be a “poorer place without him”.

A minute’s silence in his memory was held at Croke Park yesterday ahead of the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Final.

Nevin Spence
1 / 8
  • Nevin Spence

  • Nevin Spence

  • Nevin Spence

  • Nevin Spence

  • Nevin Spence

  • Nevin Spence

  • Nevin Spence

  • Nevin Spence

VIDEO: Nevin Spence tribute>

Emotional Humphreys pays tribute to Spence>

Nevin Spence and sister Emma went to the aid of father and brother>

Nevin Spence: A promising rugby star who stayed close to his roots>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
3 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Claire
    Favourite Claire
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 9:34 AM

    I’m going to lose weight. But not starting til Monday. Diets have to start on Mondays

    330
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute fergalreid
    Favourite fergalreid
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 10:57 AM

    I had shortbread for breakfast.

    75
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Spiderman_Irish
    Favourite Spiderman_Irish
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 11:49 AM

    If you cut out the bread and the cereals you will lose weight. Kellog’s and Nestle is obesity food despite the healthy looking misleading labels.

    67
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute AARO-SAURUS
    Favourite AARO-SAURUS
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 12:42 PM

    Cut out sugar. Tis the divil

    51
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dermot Lane
    Favourite Dermot Lane
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 2:30 PM

    Kellogg’s Special K, which is marketed towards weight conscious women, actually has more calories than corn flakes. But you’re right, almost all breakfast cereals are junk food.

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Spiderman_Irish
    Favourite Spiderman_Irish
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 5:05 PM

    Dermot yeah exactly and its shameful the way women often consume Special K and then get fatter. See the thing is that many including myself are not told is that the most we are supposed to consume of any grains in a fistful. Anything after that and it will bloat you and sent your body into an insulin rush and you will crave/eat more and more. Its all vested interests and brainwashing!!

    Stoneground brown bread and a small amount of oats is all people should really be consuming in the bread and cereal isles. A lot of people say don’t eat meat, nuts, seeds or dairy but I eat a lot of them and I am the opposite of obese.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Keane
    Favourite Paul Keane
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 11:44 AM

    I’m going to be more positive. But I don’t think it’ll last.

    113
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rebecca
    Favourite Rebecca
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 12:19 PM

    I see what you did there ;)

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Francie Coffey
    Favourite Francie Coffey
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 9:50 AM

    Wish me luck on my new Whisky & Aspirin diet.

    97
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dermot Ryan
    Favourite Dermot Ryan
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 10:43 AM

    Good luck Francie …but sure with such a good idea you’ll be grand anyway …
    Do you have a link for that and I might check it out myself – sounds like a great idea.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor Roche
    Favourite Conor Roche
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 10:14 AM

    My new year’s resolution will be the same as last year’s 1280 × 720 px

    84
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor Roche
    Favourite Conor Roche
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 11:06 AM

    Wow Looks like more than half of you have given up your sense of humour for the new year.
    Well get on with your miserable lives then, for the rest of you Happy New Year!

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pat Duffy
    Favourite Pat Duffy
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 9:34 AM

    People annoy me when I ask about giving up cigarettes they say I’ll wait till the new year. Why wait?? Just try now

    79
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Susan Adair Farrelly
    Favourite Susan Adair Farrelly
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 11:20 AM

    Or how about mind your own business?! That might be a start point for you.

    72
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sergeant Yates
    Favourite Sergeant Yates
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 9:34 AM

    Yes but i won’t start them until next year.

    72
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sian O Sullivan
    Favourite Sian O Sullivan
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 10:47 AM

    I’m going to try and start each day with a positive thought :)

    57
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Charlene Hogan
    Favourite Charlene Hogan
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 9:43 AM

    I’ll start the 5th…..hopefully

    44
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Robin Basstard
    Favourite Robin Basstard
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 9:41 AM

    Yes my New Year’s Resolution is not to make a New Year’s Resolution, lets hope I can stick to it.

    41
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Breandán Ó Conchúir
    Favourite Breandán Ó Conchúir
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 11:25 AM

    set some end of year fitness goals thats all

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dermot Lane
    Favourite Dermot Lane
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 2:32 PM

    Wicklow 200 for me in June. The training starts Saturday.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dermot Ryan
    Favourite Dermot Ryan
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 10:44 AM

    I’m going to give up smoking on April fool’s Day – it seems more apt for some reason !

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Francie Coffey
    Favourite Francie Coffey
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 12:30 PM

    I am going to more decisive, – maybe…

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Deborah Behan
    Favourite Deborah Behan
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 12:40 PM

    Just seen an add for Easter, EASTER?!!!!!!?

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dermot Lane
    Favourite Dermot Lane
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 2:33 PM

    The eggs should be in Tesco’s any day now

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John S
    Favourite John S
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 7:51 PM

    99% sure I drove over the Easter bunny today.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Des Doran
    Favourite Des Doran
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 1:16 PM

    I’m not paying for Water,
    And I will do more to bring this,
    Government to an end

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Liz Potts
    Favourite Liz Potts
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 1:39 PM

    You’re also writing more haikus in 2015 i see…..good stuff

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bobby Phelan
    Favourite Bobby Phelan
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 5:46 PM

    Des.spot on more protesting against banks property tax USC water tax.general election now

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mark O'Hagan
    Favourite Mark O'Hagan
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 3:28 PM

    No point when there are still loads of chocolates and biscuits still begging to be eaten.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Saorlaith
    Favourite Saorlaith
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 1:02 PM

    I’m going to try and mark a few things off my Bucket list.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Ward
    Favourite John Ward
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 7:21 PM

    There’s nothing new about New Year
    It’s just a state of mind to clear
    Away some old regrets we fear
    Will taint our lives, it would appear.

    We make new resolutions then
    To old bad habits turn again.
    I’ve found the ultimate solution:
    Resolve to make no resolution!

    John Ward

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris
    Favourite Chris
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 3:44 PM

    I’ve resolved to see this gov kicked out of office

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Moll
    Favourite Moll
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 7:47 PM

    Mine are to get into uni, do more cardio and drink more water.. Pretty reasonable I think :)

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Datalore
    Favourite Datalore
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 10:16 AM

    You forgot: “They were made for me!☺”

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute De Wit
    Favourite De Wit
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 7:00 PM

    Nope, have to start last years yet.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Lane
    Favourite Paul Lane
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 2:18 PM

    I am going to cut down on

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Laurie Berry
    Favourite Laurie Berry
    Report
    Jan 1st 2015, 9:23 PM

    Drink more water and maybe cut down on the wine……

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jake Chambers
    Favourite Jake Chambers
    Report
    Jan 3rd 2015, 9:24 AM

    Nope

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      News in 60 seconds