Rugby star among family members killed in farm tragedy

Ulster rugby star Nevin Spence was one of three men killed when four people fell into a farm’s slurry tank.

Rising star Spence, 22, played at centre for the provincial side and was called up to the Ireland training squad for the Six Nations last year.

The other men, aged 52 and 30, who died at Hillsborough, County Down, were his father Noel and brother Graham.

His sister Emma, who is an artist, is being treated in hospital. She is said to be in a stable condition.

Ambulance crews were called to the farm just after 18:00 BST on Saturday.

Emma Spence was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where she is recovering from the effects of fume inhalation.

In a statement, Shane Logan, chief executive of Ulster Rugby, said: “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.”

Spence had established himself as a regular in the Ulster squad in recent seasons, playing 42 times.

The Ulster centre also represented the Ireland Wolfhounds, the country’s second-string team, on three occasions.

The former Wallace High School player made his first appearance for Ulster against Ospreys in April 2010.

After an injury-hit start to this season, he played for the Ulster Ravens, the club’s reserve side, against Munster A at Deramore Park in Belfast on Friday.

Spence was named Young Player of the Year at the Irish Rugby Union Players’ Association Awards last year.

Away from rugby, Spence helped out on the family farm and regularly and enthusiastically updated his many followers on Twitter and Facebook with pictures from the farm.

With his farming background, he recently signed as a brand ambassador for the Dairy Council of Ireland.

The accident at the farm in Drumlough Road, Hillsborough, is to be investigated by the Health and Safety Executive.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) sent rapid response teams when it was called to the farm.

Counterparts from the fire service pulled four people from the slurry pit, three of whom were unconscious.

Paramedics tried to resuscitate the three men but two died at the scene. The third man initially responded to resuscitation and was taken to the nearby Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn, where he died a short time later.

Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) president Harry Sinclair said: “On behalf of all our members, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family involved. This news has shocked the farming community.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the three men who have so tragically lost their lives. We understand that a fourth member of the family has been hospitalised and we pray that they will make a full recovery”.

Spence’s former Ulster team-mate Ian Humphreys tweeted: “Devastated to hear the news about Nevin Spence and his brother and dad. Prayers with all his family… RIP Nev, you’ll never be forgotten.”

Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson said on Twitter: “Deeply saddened to hear of the tragedy in Hillsborough this evening. My thoughts and prayers are with family at this time of devastation.”

Northern Irish golf star Rory McIlroy expressed his sympathies, tweeting: “Just heard the tragic news of Nevin Spence and his family. Makes you cherish every day you have on this Earth.”