Menu
24/09/2012
Ravenhill Service For Ulster Star Nevin Spence
Ulster rugby ground Ravenhill was open to around 5,000 mourners on Sunday, as the rugby community came together to commemorate the life of Ulster star Nevin Spence.
The 22 year old was thought by many to have been on the brink of a successful career for both Ulster and Ireland, when he, his brother Graham (30) and their father Noel (58) were killed following an accident at the family farm in Hillsborough, County Down, last weekend.
The supporters and mourners present at yesterday’s service included fans from rugby clubs across Ireland, along with Sports Minister Caral Ni Chuilin, and the Ulster Rugby Squad.
Also present at the service were members of the Munster, Leinster and Connaught squads, including Irish internationals Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell.
Ulster captain Rory Best spoke at the service, paying a personal tribute to his team-mate.
"Nevin’s love for the game of rugby and his positive attitude was infectious", he remarked.
"The entire Spence family all shared Nevin’s humility, bravery and determination. These traits set him apart on our squad."
The capella choir from Nevin’s school, Wallace High in Lisburn, provided the singing for the occasion, while Ulster rugby’s chaplain, Rev Andrew Thompson, presided over the service.
Six balloons in the team’s colours of red, white and black were released as supporters sang Abide With Me.
Nevin, his brother and father were involved in an accident after being overcome by slurry fumes at their farm last weekend. The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland are currently investigating the incident.
(I.T.)
The 22 year old was thought by many to have been on the brink of a successful career for both Ulster and Ireland, when he, his brother Graham (30) and their father Noel (58) were killed following an accident at the family farm in Hillsborough, County Down, last weekend.
The supporters and mourners present at yesterday’s service included fans from rugby clubs across Ireland, along with Sports Minister Caral Ni Chuilin, and the Ulster Rugby Squad.
Also present at the service were members of the Munster, Leinster and Connaught squads, including Irish internationals Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell.
Ulster captain Rory Best spoke at the service, paying a personal tribute to his team-mate.
"Nevin’s love for the game of rugby and his positive attitude was infectious", he remarked.
"The entire Spence family all shared Nevin’s humility, bravery and determination. These traits set him apart on our squad."
The capella choir from Nevin’s school, Wallace High in Lisburn, provided the singing for the occasion, while Ulster rugby’s chaplain, Rev Andrew Thompson, presided over the service.
Six balloons in the team’s colours of red, white and black were released as supporters sang Abide With Me.
Nevin, his brother and father were involved in an accident after being overcome by slurry fumes at their farm last weekend. The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland are currently investigating the incident.
(I.T.)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 April 2017
Three Ulster Rugby Players Named In British & Irish Lions Squad
Three Ulster Rugby players have been named in the British & Irish Lions squad. Rory Best, Iain Henderson and Jared Payne have been included in the squad who are to tour New Zealand this summer. The trio are among 11 Ireland players selected by Lions Head Coach Warren Gatland.
Three Ulster Rugby Players Named In British & Irish Lions Squad
Three Ulster Rugby players have been named in the British & Irish Lions squad. Rory Best, Iain Henderson and Jared Payne have been included in the squad who are to tour New Zealand this summer. The trio are among 11 Ireland players selected by Lions Head Coach Warren Gatland.
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'.
21 February 2024
Irish Govt Commits To Invest €800m In Northern Ireland
The announcement of an €800 million (£685m) investment in Northern Ireland by the Irish Government has been welcomed as a "significant contribution" by Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA.
Irish Govt Commits To Invest €800m In Northern Ireland
The announcement of an €800 million (£685m) investment in Northern Ireland by the Irish Government has been welcomed as a "significant contribution" by Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA.
08 February 2024
Online Business Ideas Gaining Traction In Northern Ireland
Are you looking for a new business venture that can be operated from the comfort of your own home? The rise of the internet has provided countless opportunities to start an online business and reach customers from all over the world.
Online Business Ideas Gaining Traction In Northern Ireland
Are you looking for a new business venture that can be operated from the comfort of your own home? The rise of the internet has provided countless opportunities to start an online business and reach customers from all over the world.
22 August 2023
Ulster Rugby Launches New Foundation
A new initiative to inspire lifelong participation in rugby across NI has been announced by Ulster Rugby. Set to have a lasting and positive impact on the lives of those involved in rugby in Ulster, the Ulster Rugby Foundation will drive forward a community game in the province which welcomes people of all ages and abilities.
Ulster Rugby Launches New Foundation
A new initiative to inspire lifelong participation in rugby across NI has been announced by Ulster Rugby. Set to have a lasting and positive impact on the lives of those involved in rugby in Ulster, the Ulster Rugby Foundation will drive forward a community game in the province which welcomes people of all ages and abilities.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry in the southeast at first otherwise widespread light rain or drizzle for most. It will turn mostly dry towards dawn, although a few patches of light rain or drizzle continuing, mainly in the southwest. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
