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Tributes are left at Ravenhill rugby ground, Belfast, where a book of condolence was opened in memory of Nevin Spence who died in Saturday's tragedy. Paul Faith/PA Archive
Tragedy

Funerals for three members of Spence family to be held today

Noel Spence and his sons Graham and Nevin were overcome by fumes from a slurry pit at their family farm in Co Down.

THE FUNERALS of three men from the same family who died after being overcome by fumes from a slurry pit will be held in Co Down later today.

Noel Spence and his sons Graham (30) and Nevin (22) all died on Saturday evening in the tragedy at the family farm in Hillsborough. They will be buried after a service at Ballynahinch Baptist Church this afternoon.

The three died when Noel Spence fell into the pit, with Graham then entering it hoping to save his father. Nevin and a younger daughter Emma then attempted to rescue their elder relatives.

The four were pulled from the slurry pit and although one of the men showed initial signs of responding, he died a short time later at Lagan Valley Hospital.

A minute’s silence will be observed before all games in the RaboDirect Pro12 this weekend in memory of Nevin Spence, who was a member of the Ulster Rugby squad and had represented Ireland at underage levels.

Ulster Rugby is to hold a memorial service for Nevin on Sunday; the side’s game against Italian team Zebre has been postponed.

Nevin Spence: A promising rugby star who stayed close to his roots

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