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19/09/2012
Spence Family Hold Funeral Service For Noel, Graham And Nevin
The funeral service of Noel, Graham and Nevin Spence has taken place at Ballynahinch Baptist Church.
The father and two sons died tragically in a farming accident at their home in Co Down on Saturday.
It is understood Graham attempted to rescue their dog from the slurry pit when he was overcome by slurry gas. His father Noel and brother Nevin then attempted to rescue him but were overcome by the same gas.
Emma Rice, who survived the accident after her own attempts to rescue her father and brother, spoke during a service for her Noel, 58, and Ulster rugby player Nevin, 22 and Graham, 30.
"They were hardworking men. They were not perfect but they were genuine. They were best friends,” she told the gathered mourners.
Reverend Rodney Stout told mourners that Noel Spence had been "a very generous man, a man of true grit."
He said it would be "difficult to find a more hospitable neighbour or trustworthy businessman".
Rev Stout said Graham, like his father, was a "gentle giant" who "didn't do anything out of a showy or boastful way".
A tribute to Nevin who was considered to be one of the up-and-coming stars of the Ulster rugby team, was read out on behalf of the director of Ulster Rugby, David Humphreys.
It said Nevin was "highly skilled and gifted, utterly committed to Ulster, determined to be the best that he could be".
A book of condolence has been opened at Ravenhill rugby ground in east Belfast, and Ulster's Pro12 match against Italian club Zebre on Friday has been postponed as a mark of respect to the Spence family.
A private service for the three men took place at the family home on Wednesday morning.
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) are investigating the accident at the farm on Drumlough Road in Hillsborough.
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The father and two sons died tragically in a farming accident at their home in Co Down on Saturday.
It is understood Graham attempted to rescue their dog from the slurry pit when he was overcome by slurry gas. His father Noel and brother Nevin then attempted to rescue him but were overcome by the same gas.
Emma Rice, who survived the accident after her own attempts to rescue her father and brother, spoke during a service for her Noel, 58, and Ulster rugby player Nevin, 22 and Graham, 30.
"They were hardworking men. They were not perfect but they were genuine. They were best friends,” she told the gathered mourners.
Reverend Rodney Stout told mourners that Noel Spence had been "a very generous man, a man of true grit."
He said it would be "difficult to find a more hospitable neighbour or trustworthy businessman".
Rev Stout said Graham, like his father, was a "gentle giant" who "didn't do anything out of a showy or boastful way".
A tribute to Nevin who was considered to be one of the up-and-coming stars of the Ulster rugby team, was read out on behalf of the director of Ulster Rugby, David Humphreys.
It said Nevin was "highly skilled and gifted, utterly committed to Ulster, determined to be the best that he could be".
A book of condolence has been opened at Ravenhill rugby ground in east Belfast, and Ulster's Pro12 match against Italian club Zebre on Friday has been postponed as a mark of respect to the Spence family.
A private service for the three men took place at the family home on Wednesday morning.
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) are investigating the accident at the farm on Drumlough Road in Hillsborough.
(H)
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28 January 2013
Spence Family Deaths Inquest Begins
The inquest into the deaths of Nevin, Graham and Noel Spence, who died in a slurry tank accident, will begin today. Ulster rugby player Nevin Spence, 22; his brother Graham, 30, and father Noel, 58, were overcome by slurry gas last September. The father and sons are thought to have died while trying to save each other.
Spence Family Deaths Inquest Begins
The inquest into the deaths of Nevin, Graham and Noel Spence, who died in a slurry tank accident, will begin today. Ulster rugby player Nevin Spence, 22; his brother Graham, 30, and father Noel, 58, were overcome by slurry gas last September. The father and sons are thought to have died while trying to save each other.
16 August 2013
'Nevin Spence Centre' Planned For Ravenhill
A new education and heritage centre being built at Ulster Rugby's Ravenhill stadium is to be named after the late Nevin Spence, who died in a farming accident along with his brother Graham and father Noel in September last year. The centre is part of a £14.7m redevelopment of the ground and will be called 'The Nevin Spence Centre'.
'Nevin Spence Centre' Planned For Ravenhill
A new education and heritage centre being built at Ulster Rugby's Ravenhill stadium is to be named after the late Nevin Spence, who died in a farming accident along with his brother Graham and father Noel in September last year. The centre is part of a £14.7m redevelopment of the ground and will be called 'The Nevin Spence Centre'.
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