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'.
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.
16 April 2018
Paddy Jackson's And Stuart Olding's Contracts Revoked
The contracts of Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have been revoked with "immediate effect" by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and Ulster Rugby. Last month, the two rugby players were unanimously acquitted of raping a woman at a house in south Belfast in June 2016.
Paddy Jackson's And Stuart Olding's Contracts Revoked
The contracts of Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have been revoked with "immediate effect" by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and Ulster Rugby. Last month, the two rugby players were unanimously acquitted of raping a woman at a house in south Belfast in June 2016.
01 March 2024
Ulster Rugby Foundation Secures Official Charitable Status
The Ulster Rugby Foundation has secured official charitable status, which will allow it to raise vital funds needed to ensure that rugby is a sport open to all ages and abilities across the province.
Ulster Rugby Foundation Secures Official Charitable Status
The Ulster Rugby Foundation has secured official charitable status, which will allow it to raise vital funds needed to ensure that rugby is a sport open to all ages and abilities across the province.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A largely dry evening and night. It will be mostly cloudy, but a few clear spells are possible in the east during the evening. Some patchy rain across the west shortly before dawn. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
