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Memorial service for Nevin Spence at Ulster rugby ground Nevin Spence memorial: Fans mourn 'brightest and best'
(about 7 hours later)
A memorial service is to be held later for Ulster rugby player Nevin Spence, who died along with his father and brother in a farming accident in County Down. Thousands of rugby fans have gathered at Belfast's Ravenhill ground for a memorial service for Ulster player Nevin Spence.
Nevin, 22, his brother, Graham, 30, and their father, Noel, 58, were overcome by slurry gas at their farm in Hillsborough last Saturday.Nevin, 22, his brother, Graham, 30, and their father, Noel, 58, were overcome by slurry gas at their farm in Hillsborough last Saturday.
Sunday's service will be held at Ravenhill rugby ground in east Belfast. Ulster rugby chaplain Rev Andrew Thompson said they mourned the loss of one of "our brightest and best".
Ulster and Ireland hooker Rory Best will be among those paying tribute. He said the deaths of the three men was "an unspeakable tragedy".
Nevin was considered to be one of the up-and-coming stars of the Ulster rugby team. It had left a whole community in shock and disbelief, he said, but people were standing "shoulder to shoulder".
Sunday's service will be led by the Reverend Andrew Thompson, Ulster rugby chaplain and minister at Elmwood Presbyterian Church in Lisburn. "Today we come in pain and sorrow to stand up for one proud Ulsterman. Or rather three," he said.
Members of the Ulster Rugby squad will also be involved. "Whilst the main focus is to remember Nevin, we are mindful of his father and brother.
The capella choir made of up 50 young people from Wallace High School will sing at the service. "These three men shared so much in life and were united in death."
Ulster rugby captain Johann Muller and scrum half Paul Marshall read from the Bible.
Ulster and Ireland hooker Rory Best paid a personal tribute.
He said there had been a "huge outpouring of emotion" throughout the entire rugby world.
"There are no words that I can add that have not been spoken about Nevin this week," he said.
The young player won more than 40 caps for Ulster, he said.
"Nevin's love for the game of rugby and his positive attitude was infectious," he said.
"The mark Nevin left runs deeper than rugby."
He said his fondest memories were of Nevin's sense of humour.
"Nev would tell a ridiculous joke and then be beaming from ear to ear. No-one could work out whether he was a comic genius or told really bad jokes.
"He would give the boys tips on their love life.
" 'All you need is a girl who looks like Cindy Crawford and is able to calf a cow in the middle of the night,' he'd joke."
Rory Best added: "The entire Spence family all shared Nevin's humility, bravery and determination. These traits set him apart on our squad."
His "relentless positive attitude" was a testament to his upbringing and to the man himself.
"Nevin was a team player, the sort of player every team needs but few are lucky enough to find.
"His memory will continue to shape Ulster rugby for years to come. Nev, we will miss you but we will never forget you," he said.
The entire Munster, Leinster and Connacht squads are also attending.
The capella choir made of up 50 young people from Nevin's old school, Wallace High, led the singing.
A book of condolence will remain open on Sunday for those wishing to leave expressions of sympathy, and then given to the Spence family.A book of condolence will remain open on Sunday for those wishing to leave expressions of sympathy, and then given to the Spence family.
The Ulster Rugby website said the service was "open to everyone and aims to celebrate the life and sporting career of one of Ulster's most talented and committed players".
The accident at the farm on Drumlough Road in Hillsborough is being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI).The accident at the farm on Drumlough Road in Hillsborough is being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI).