Crowds of mourners at Ballynahinch Baptist church, in Co Down, for the funeral service of Noel Spence, 68, and his sons Graham and Nevin
The three coffins leave Ballynahinch Baptist church, in Co Down after the funeral service of Noel Spence, and his sons Graham and Nevin
Memorial service at Ravenhill for Ulster rugby player Nevin Spence, who died along with his father and brother in a farming accident in Hillsborough,County Down.
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. Ulster fans pictured during the service at Ravenhill.
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. Ulster fans pictured during the service at Ravenhill.
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. Ulster fans pictured during the service at Ravenhill.
Horror: The Spence farm, where emergency services attended on Saturday night after four people were overcome by fumes
Horror: The Spence farm, where emergency services attended on Saturday night after four people were overcome by fumes
Gifted: Accident survivor Emma Spence on the family farm
Emma Spence in her artist's studio
Emma Spence's portrait of brother Nevin on the rugby pitch
Nevin Spence playing for Ulster last December against the Scarletts
Nevin Spence at Ulster's summer camp
Nevin Spence in action for Ulster against Bath
Nevin Spence with Ulster team-mate Nigel Brady back in December 2010
Nevin Spence relaxing down on the farm
Nevin Spence (far left) with young Oscar Knox who suffers from a rare form of cancer
Nevin Spence died along with his father and brother at their farm when they fell into a slurry pit (John Dickson/Ulster Rugby/PA)
Flowers are laid at Ravenhill Grounds in memory of young rugby star Nevin Spence, who died when he fell into a slurry pit
Graham Spence, who died with his father Noel and brother Nevin
Tributes for Nevin Spence and his family left at Ravenhill
An Ulster Rugby flag at Ravenhill pays tribute to Nevin Spence and his family
Nevin Spence, who died alongside his father Noel and brother Graham
A painting of Nevin Spence by his sister Emma.
Nevin Spence on the family farm. Pacemaker press
Graham Spence at his Hillsborough farm.
Pacemaker Press 17/9/2012 Graham Spence
Nevin Spence fitted perfectly into the Ulster set-up with the older guard of Bryn Cunningham (left) and Andrew Trimble
Book of condolence opened at Ravenhill rugby ground for Ulster rugby star Nevin Spence along with his brother Graham and father Noel who died in a slurry tank accident on the family farm outside Hillsborough in Co. Down. Tributes placed at Ravenhill
Book of condolence opened at Ravenhill rugby ground for Ulster rugby star Nevin Spence along with his brother Graham and father Noel who died in a slurry tank accident on the family farm outside Hillsborough in Co. Down. Tributes placed at Ravenhill
Book of condolence opened at Ravenhill rugby ground for Ulster rugby star Nevin Spence along with his brother Graham and father Noel who died in a slurry tank accident on the family farm outside Hillsborough in Co. Down. Tributes placed at Ravenhill
Ulster rugby player Nevin Spence who was killed, along with his father and brother in a farming accident
Flowers are laid at Ravenhill Grounds in memory of young rugby star Nevin Spence, who died when he fell into a slurry pit
Tributes are left at Ravenhill rugby ground, Belfast, where a book of condolence was opened in memory of rugby player Nevin Spence
Nevin Spence died along with his father and brother at their farm when they fell into a slurry pit (John Dickson/Ulster Rugby/PA)
Flowers are laid at Ravenhill Ground in memory of Nevin Spence, who died on Saturday
Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore signs a book of condolence at Ravenhill rugby ground, Belfast, in memory of rugby player Nevin Spence
Nevin Spence died along with his father and brother in a farming accident (Ulster Rugby/PA)
Flowers are laid at Ravenhill in memory of young rugby star Nevin Spence
Nevin Spence, 22, came to prominence playing for Ulster Rugby and was a rising star in Ireland's international rugby scene
Emma Spence twice risked her life to try and save her brothers and father
Funerals at Ballynahinch Baptist Church for Ulster rugby star Nevin Spence along with his brother Graham and father Noel
Funerals at Ballynahinch Baptist Church for Ulster rugby star Nevin Spence along with his brother Graham and father Noel
19/9/12 PACEMAKER BELFAST. Surviving family member Emma Rice at todays funeral in Ballynahinch of father Noel and brothers Nevin and Graham Spence who died following a tragic farming accident at their Hillsborough home at the weekend. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker.
19/9/12 PACEMAKER BELFAST. Essie Spence is comforted by family members at todays funeral in Ballynahinch of Noel, Nevin and Graham Spence who died following a tragic farming accident at their Hillsborough home at the weekend. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker.
@Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland -19th September 2012Mandatory Credit - Brian Little/ PresseyeThe funeral cortage of Noel Spence and his two sons Graham (30) and Nevin (22) at Ballynahinch Baptist Church, who died in an farming accident on Saturday evening.
@Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland -19th September 2012Mandatory Credit - Brian Little/ PresseyeThe funeral cortage of Noel Spence and his two sons Graham (30) and Nevin (22) at Ballynahinch Baptist Church, who died in an farming accident on Saturday evening.
@Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland -19th September 2012Mandatory Credit - Brian Little/ PresseyeThe funeral of Noel Spence and his two sons Graham (30) and Nevin (22) at Ballynahinch Baptist Church, who died in an farming accident on Saturday evening.
@Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland -19th September 2012Mandatory Credit - Brian Little/ PresseyeThe funeral cortage of Noel Spence and his two sons Graham (30) and Nevin (22) at Ballynahinch Baptist Church, who died in an farming accident on Saturday evening.
@Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland -19th September 2012Mandatory Credit - Brian Little/ PresseyeThe funeral cortage of Noel Spence and his two sons Graham (30) and Nevin (22) at Ballynahinch Baptist Church, who died in an farming accident on Saturday evening.
@Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland -19th September 2012Mandatory Credit - Brian Little/ PresseyeFamily members at the head of the funeral cortage of Noel Spence and his two sons Graham (30) and Nevin (22) at Ballynahinch Baptist Church, who died in an farming accident on Saturday evening.UUP leader Mike Nesbitt (left) attending the Spence Funeral.
@Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland -19th September 2012Mandatory Credit - Brian Little/ PresseyeThe funeral of Noel Spence and his two sons Graham (30) and Nevin (22) at Ballynahinch Baptist Church, who died in an farming accident on Saturday evening.Harry Sinclaie Ulster Farmers Union President.
@Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland -19th September 2012Mandatory Credit - Brian Little/ PresseyeThe funeral of Noel Spence and his two sons Graham (30) and Nevin (22) at Ballynahinch Baptist Church, who died in an farming accident on Saturday evening.Ulster rugby player Paddy McAllister (centre) walking in the funeral cortage.
The Spence family arrive at Ballynahinch Baptist church, in Co Down for the funeral service of Noel Spence, 68, and his sons Graham, 30, and Nevin, 22. Photo PA
The Spence family arrive at Ballynahinch Baptist church, in Co Down for the funeral service of Noel Spence, 68, and his sons Graham, 30, and Nevin, 22. Photo PA
The Spence family arrive at Ballynahinch Baptist church, in Co Down for the funeral service of Noel Spence, 68, and his sons Graham, 30, and Nevin, 22. Photo PA
Nevin Spence's coffin is covered with his Ulster Flag Jersey after his funeral service at Ballynahinch Baptist church, in Co Down
Nevin Spence coffin drapped in his Ulster Rugby Heineken Cup jersey.
The funeral cortage of Noel Spence and his two sons Graham (30) and Nevin (22) at Ballynahinch Baptist Church
Family members at the head of the funeral cortage of Noel Spence and his two sons Graham (30) and Nevin (22) at Ballynahinch Baptist Church
The funeral cortage of Noel Spence and his two sons Graham (30) and Nevin (22) at Ballynahinch Baptist Church
UUP leader Mike Nesbitt (left) attending the Spence funeral.
Ravenhill Rugby Club on the day of the Spence funerals
Ravenhill Rugby Club on the day of the Spence funerals. Photograph by Declan Roughan
The three coffins leave Ballynahinch Baptist church, in Co Down after the funeral service of Noel Spence, 68, and his sons Graham, 30, and Nevin, 22 who all died trying to save each other in a slurry tank
Tributes are left at Ravenhill, where a book of condolence was opened in memory of Nevin Spence
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. Ulster fans pictured during the service at Ravenhill.
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. Ulster fans pictured during the service at Ravenhill.
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. Ulster fans walk under the memorial arch at Ravenhill before the memorial starts. .
Pacemaker Press 23/9/2012 Thousands of rugby fans during a memorial service for Ulster player Nevin Spence at Ravenhill in Belfast on sunday , Nevin, 22, his brother, Graham, 30, and their father, Noel, 58, were overcome by slurry gas at their farm in Hillsborough last Saturday Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. Ulster fans pictured on the stands during the service at Ravenhill.
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. Ulster fans pictured on the stands during the service at Ravenhill.
23/9/12 PACEMAKER BELFAST. A young rugby fan holds his father's hand during this afternoons memorial service at Ravenhill in memory of Ulster rugby player Nevin Spence who lost his life along with his father and brother in a tragic farming accident. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker.
23/9/12 PACEMAKER BELFAST. The Ulster rugby squad during this afternoons memorial service at Ravenhill in memory of Ulster rugby player Nevin Spence who lost his life along with his father and brother in a tragic farming accident. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker.
23/9/12 PACEMAKER BELFAST. A man watches from the wall of flowers and tributes during this afternoons memorial service at Ravenhill in memory of Ulster rugby player Nevin Spence who lost his life along with his father and brother in a tragic farming accident. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker.
23/9/12 PACEMAKER BELFAST. A man holds the order of service during this afternoons memorial service at Ravenhill in memory of Ulster rugby player Nevin Spence who lost his life along with his father and brother in a tragic farming accident. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker.
23/9/12 PACEMAKER BELFAST. Thousands of people file past the make shift wall of tributes and flowers before this afternoons memorial service at Ravenhill in memory of Ulster rugby player Nevin Spence who lost his life along with his father and brother in a tragic farming accident. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker.
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. Ulster fans pictured during the service at Ravenhill.
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. Ulster fans pictured during the service at Ravenhill.
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. Ulster fans pictured during the service at Ravenhill.
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. Ulster fans pictured during the service at Ravenhill.
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. Ulster fans pictured during the service at Ravenhill.
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. Ulster fans pictured during the service at Ravenhill.
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. Ulster fans pictured during the service at Ravenhill.
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. Ulster fans pictured during the service at Ravenhill.
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. Ulster fans pictured at the tributes to Nevin Spence and his family at the side of the pitch in Ravenhill.
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. Ttributes to Nevin Spence and his family at the side of the pitch in Ravenhill.
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. An Ulster fan pictured during the service at Ravenhill.
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. Ulster fans pictured at the tributes to Nevin Spence and his family at the side of the pitch in Ravenhill.
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. Ulster fans pictured on the stands during the service at Ravenhill.
Pacemaker Press 23/9/2012 Thousands of rugby fans during a memorial service for Ulster player Nevin Spence at Ravenhill in Belfast on sunday , Nevin, 22, his brother, Graham, 30, and their father, Noel, 58, were overcome by slurry gas at their farm in Hillsborough last Saturday Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker
Northern Ireland- 22nd September 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Memorial service held at Ravenhill for Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence who died last week with his brother Graham and father Noel due to a farm accident. A young Ulster fan pictured at the tributes to Nevin Spence and his family at the side of the pitch in Ravenhill.
By Linda Stewart
– 27 September 2012
Farmers have backed calls to investigate whether people working with slurry could be provided with breathing apparatus.
The UUP has called for the measure in the wake of the deaths of three members of the Spence family at their farm this month.
UUP agriculture spokeswoman Jo-Anne Dobson pointed out how a number of farmers have died due to gas emissions from slurry.
“The recent tragedy of the Spence family, which is still very much on our minds, has brought the extreme seriousness of the situation home to most people in the community, especially farmers,” she said.
“There have been so many deaths due to the slurry gas it is an absolute necessity that a system is put in place to protect farmers. A breathing support mask with a small oxygen bottle would give significant protection, would be neat and lightweight, and hopefully cost-efficient.”
The Health and Safety Execu
tive says filter-type masks are not suitable for protecting farmers from slurry gas and only apparatus with its own air supply is recommended.
The Ulster Farmers Union backed the call. President Harry Sinclair said: “Since the Spence family tragedy we have been contacted by many with suggestions such as the use of breathing apparatus and gas monitors.
“In the meantime, we have been issuing as much guidance as possible to farmers on how to work safely with slurry.”
Background
Ulster Rugby star Nevin Spence (22) was killed along with his father Noel (52) and brother Graham (30) in a slurry tank accident on their family farm near Hillsborough on September 15. The three died from the effects of exposure to slurry gases after entering an underground tank.
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