RIP Nevin Spence

by neilthom7 Sat 15 Sep 2012, 10:36 pm

First topic message reminder :

RIP Nevin Spence who died tonight along with his father and brother in a tragic accident on the family farm in County Down. I can't believe it Nevin was not only a great player but one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet even with his success he had time for everyone. My thoughts are with his family to lose 3 of the family at once is terrible, I wish his sister who is in hospital well too and hope she makes a full recovery. You will never be forgotten

by GunsGerms Sun 16 Sep 2012, 9:25 am

Very sad about this. Nevin was a great player and by all accounts a great guy. RIP

by bedfordwelsh Sun 16 Sep 2012, 9:34 am

Its times like this that really puts everything else into context all anyone can say is RIP and God be with the family.

by mckay1402 Sun 16 Sep 2012, 9:40 am

Sad news and sucha horrible way to go.

by Artful_Dodger Sun 16 Sep 2012, 9:46 am

Tribute to Nevin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po49Vpv9heU

by **RDW** Sun 16 Sep 2012, 9:48 am

Facebook page has been set up and there's over 23000 'likes' already - shows the popularity of the guy

by **Notch** Sun 16 Sep 2012, 10:02 am

You can see his sister Emmas artwork of Nevin and some other Ulster players here.

http://www.emmaspence.com/index.php/portfolios/rugby

She's in hospital right now. Horrible thing. I'm broken up about this without even knowing Nevin or his family in any personal capacity.

Ulster Rugby have lost one of our own and it's heart wrenching. I doubt the weekends game against Zebre will go ahead. We can't think of rugby at a time like this. Nevins colleagues and friends must be given time to grieve.

by J_D Sun 16 Sep 2012, 10:03 am

Absolutely tragic, R.I.P

by Hood83 Sun 16 Sep 2012, 10:11 am

I couldn't believe this when I read it. Absolutely awful.

by Thomond Sun 16 Sep 2012, 10:15 am

The fact that Nevin is rather high profile makes it feel close to us, but this is a tragedy and no other way to put it. Just a terrible accident and I wish their family well during this time and they have my deepest condolences.

by MMC Sun 16 Sep 2012, 10:16 am

I was absolutely stunned to learn of this this morning. I was catching up with the Ulster v Munster thread and got an awful feeling when the tone of the thread change. I'm still stunned by the news.

I heard about the tragedy on Saturday night on the news and thought at the time about just how sad it was, without knowing at the time that it was Nevin and his family. So awful for those left behind to lose so many.

RIP Nevin. You will be missed.

by Sin é Sun 16 Sep 2012, 10:20 am

What a devastating thing to happen to any family. How will Mrs. Spence & Nevin's sister ever get over this? My uncle & young cousin were drowned crossing a river on their farm many years ago - what will make it even more difficult for the survivors is that they will have the constant reminder at their backdoor for the rest of their lives of this tragedy.

RIP.

by Dubbelyew L Overate Sun 16 Sep 2012, 10:23 am

Deepest sympathies,

by SB Sun 16 Sep 2012, 10:25 am

I've just turned on to Sky News and found out that he passed away on the running headline titles at the bottom of the screen.

It's just awful, he was a genuine talent and could definitely have gone on to win many honours with Ireland and the Lions.

Rory McIlroy stated it succinctly yesterday when he tweeted, "Just heard the tragic news of Nevin Spence and his family. Makes you cherish every day you have on this Earth".

RIP Nevin.

by **Notch** Sun 16 Sep 2012, 10:28 am

IRFU statement;

The Irish Rugby Football Union has expressed its deepest condolences to the the family of Ulster player Nevin Spence following his death alongside his father Noel and brother Graham after an accident on their family farm last evening.

Billy Glynn, President of the IRFU said: "This is a terrible tragedy that has struck the Spence family and the thoughts of everybody in Irish Rugby are with them at this time.

Nevin was an outstanding young player which was evident from his progression through the representative ranks and the game has been robbed of a very talented young man.

The rugby community in Ireland is a very close knit one and there has been widespread shock and an outpouring of grief at this news. On behalf of Irish Rugby, I would like to offer our heartfelt support to the family, friends and teammates of Nevin during this difficult time."

Nevin's death at the age of just 22 has shocked the rugby community.

Nevin Spence was a gifted young professional rugby player with an extremely bright future in the game. He made his debut for Ulster against the Ospreys in 2010 and represented Ulster on 42 occasions. He was capped for Ireland at Under 20 and Ireland Wolfhounds level.

His talent was recognised by his fellow professionals in 2011 when he was named Young Player of the Year at the Irish Rugby Football Union Players' Association Awards.

by Cari Sun 16 Sep 2012, 10:30 am

Ulster Rugby Statement on the tragic death of Nevin Spence

It was with profound sadness that Ulster Rugby learned of the tragic death of Nevin Spence, a much loved and talented member of the Ulster squad.

Ulster Rugby also wishes to express its deep sorrow at the death of Nevin’s father Noel and brother Graham.

Nevin’s death at the age of just 22 has shocked the rugby community.

Nevin Spence was a gifted young professional rugby player with an extremely bright future in the game. He made his debut for Ulster against the Ospreys in 2010 and represented Ulster on 42 occasions.

His talent was recognised by his fellow professionals in 2011 when he was named Young Player of the Year at the Irish Rugby Football Union Players’ Association Awards.

His last game was on Friday afternoon when he played for Ulster Ravens against Munster A.

Shane Logan, Chief Executive of Ulster Rugby, said: ‘I am deeply saddened by this tragic news. Nevin was a wonderful player but also a wonderful person. He was well liked by everyone who knew him and his loss will be deeply felt by his teammates and everyone at Ulster Rugby.

‘He will be sorely missed and the thoughts of everyone involved in the game are with his family at this time.’

by toml Sun 16 Sep 2012, 10:33 am

My thoughts are with his Mum and sister.
Horrific news

by nathan Sun 16 Sep 2012, 10:39 am

that's awful, RIP all and my thoughts are with there family and friends.

by Guest Sun 16 Sep 2012, 10:49 am

RIP, such terrible news to wake up to.

by 21st Century Schizoid Man Sun 16 Sep 2012, 11:06 am

The rugby community will come together and support this family and club - terrible accident. My heart goes out to this poor family.

by Submachine Sun 16 Sep 2012, 11:17 am

RIP Nevin, Noel and Graham. Unimaginable tragedy. Thoughts are with their family, friends and all Ulster supporters.

by humphstheman Sun 16 Sep 2012, 11:22 am

RIP Nevin, Graham and Noel. Choirs of Angels speed you to your rest.

by westisbest Sun 16 Sep 2012, 11:24 am

Just heard the news. Very sad, was a quality player had a great future ahead.

RIP.

by bluestonevedder Sun 16 Sep 2012, 11:34 am

Can't put into words just how very sad this is. He had such a brilliant future.

My thoughts are with their poor Mother and Sister, who have lost so much.

by SecretFly Sun 16 Sep 2012, 11:40 am

Shocked by the news. Knew about the event itself yesterday, (and it was sad enough to hear it) but I only heard the details of the actual family this morning when checking up teletext news.

And we all (not just in Ulster) were so impressed by him. He had everything required to take him into the Irish side of the future, most especially because of his elusive running, enthusiasm and courage.

A tragedy for us all, but more importantly for the Ulster supporters and team, and of course most especially of all for the poor family who have lost two sons (brothers) and a husband (father). My sympathies are with Nevin's mother and sister. They will go through tough times but I have no doubt that they will now be deeply supported by Ulster rugby.

by LuvSports! Sun 16 Sep 2012, 11:58 am

this is so horrible for a family to be ripped apart so sad Sad

i dont know what to say but my thoughts and prayers are with the mother and daughter rose

by John Cregan Sun 16 Sep 2012, 12:13 pm

Heartbreaking tragedy..............puts things in perspective.

Im sure the community and Ulster Rugby will rallly around the family....................

by Red Right Sun 16 Sep 2012, 12:24 pm

Absolutely shocked to hear this news this morning. Truely tragic for sport and rugby to loose such a talented player but nothing compared to the loss to the family. To lose a husband and two sons, a father and two brothers. My heart goes out to their mother an their family. Lets hope that their sister recovers as best she can and the family find the strenght to get through this awful time.

Nevin, Graham and Noel - RIP

by **rodders** Sun 16 Sep 2012, 12:55 pm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19614688

Ulster rugby press conference.

by the-goon Sun 16 Sep 2012, 1:01 pm

terrible terrible news... thoughts go out to his family

by clivemcl Sun 16 Sep 2012, 1:23 pm

http://talesfromtaughlumny.wordpress.com/2012/09/16/when-tragedy-strikes/

by eirebilly Sun 16 Sep 2012, 1:42 pm

Jaysus, i just saw and heard the tragic news. RIP

by BelfastNI Sun 16 Sep 2012, 2:05 pm

Thanks for posting that Clive.

by MBTGOG Sun 16 Sep 2012, 2:12 pm

Thanks for that Clive.

by Cari Sun 16 Sep 2012, 3:16 pm

I'm not sure if anyone's aware or if it's already been mentioned, but a book of condolence is to open at Ravenhill from 10:00am tomorrow. It will be available to sign until the end of the week and Ravenhill will be open all week from 09:00 until 17:00 for anyone wishing to leave tributes.

by Rava Sun 16 Sep 2012, 3:17 pm

clivemcl wrote:http://talesfromtaughlumny.wordpress.com/2012/09/16/when-tragedy-strikes/

Thanks Clive. That hymn quoted is most appropriate.

by JayMaster3000 Sun 16 Sep 2012, 3:17 pm

A very sad day for Northern Ireland and Ulster Rugby. Shocked to have heard this. My prayers are with the Spence family.

John 15:13 - "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends".

by Don Alfonso Sun 16 Sep 2012, 3:20 pm

Just reading "Jim" Nagusa's Twitter feed. Poor man's clearly in bits.

by Pete330v2 Sun 16 Sep 2012, 3:50 pm

I have been lost for words since hearing this terrible news. We've lost a brilliant young sportsman but the Spence family and friends have lost much, much more.
You'll never be forgotten Nevin.

RIP all three.

by Knowsit17 Sun 16 Sep 2012, 4:17 pm

Shocking news. A player with talent to burn who could have gone on to big things. Heard nothing but good things about his character and personality, sounded like a top bloke.

RIP Nevin, Noel and Graham. Best wishes to sister on her recovery and thoughts go out to sister, mother and the rest of the family, words simply don't describe it!

by Feckless Rogue Sun 16 Sep 2012, 4:41 pm

Terrible tragedy. RIP Nevin, his brother and his Dad. My cousin was rescued from a slurry pit on her family farm a few years ago. These accidents are more common than you'd think. It's the fumes that can overcome you.

I hope Nevin's sister fully recovers.

by Norfolklass Sun 16 Sep 2012, 6:16 pm

Some days, although we cannot pray, a prayer utters itself.
This is one of those days.

by thebluesmancometh Sun 16 Sep 2012, 6:33 pm

Just heard the news, so so sad.

Was only a few days ago in the pub we were talking about him as a possible lions bolter.

RIP all 3, thoughts go out to the family and sister.

by Cryptoyourisan Sun 16 Sep 2012, 6:57 pm

Horrific news in so many ways and an awful story. Such a horrible event for the family and community. Obviously this goes exponentially beyond sport but we've been robbed of a cracking wee player too. Was fully expecting Spence to be an Irish centre for years to come.

by RubyGuby Sun 16 Sep 2012, 7:03 pm

Stunned and saddened! - my thoughts and wishes are with the Spence family and all you Ulster fans and Irish fans in general who must be finding it difficult. You are passionate and caring fans and this is such a devastating tragedy.

by ME-109 Sun 16 Sep 2012, 8:18 pm

unbelievable and just so tragic...

by Rava Sun 16 Sep 2012, 8:24 pm

I hope Niall Crozier of the Belfast Telegraph doesn't mind but I really liked his tribute today and am sharing it: -

"His modesty, his shyness, that smile, his enthusiasm, his ability and that distinctive fair hair marked him out.
He had so much to offer, not just on the rugby pitch but to the wider world.
What a terribly sad end to such a promising life." rose

by **Notch** Sun 16 Sep 2012, 9:37 pm

I think I'll be going down to Ravenhill tomorrow to sign the book of condolence

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEafWcqOCoY&feature=g-all-u

by **rodders** Sun 16 Sep 2012, 9:58 pm

Good man Notch. Really wish I could get down. If they extend it until Saturday then I'll come and sign it.

by geoff998rugby Mon 17 Sep 2012, 8:41 am

Absolutely devastated.

Cant believe I spoke to him the day before.
I know it is often said in such tragic times but this guy really was the salt of the earth - you simply could not meet a more decent human being - allied to his shyness and his total commitment this made him a player that absolutely everybody in the club loved to bits.

It appears he went in after he saw his father and brother got into difficulty - no doubt with no regard to himself. He was that kind of guy.

If you can please get down and sign the book of condolences.

Mods can I ask that you make this a sticky thread please

We have lost a dear dear member of the Ulster family - stunned to my core.
As for the immediate family no words can describe what they must be going through.

by Rava Mon 17 Sep 2012, 8:44 am

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