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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'.
18 November 2024
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
24 September 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.
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.
15 September 2009
Minister Backs Construction's Future
Around £1m a day is being used to help 'build' business for the ailing NI construction industry. That's according to Finance Minister Sammy Wilson who said that the Stormont Executive has committed record levels of capital investment in recent years.
Minister Backs Construction's Future
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
