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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.)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
