RIP Nevin Spence

by neilthom7 Sat Sep 15, 2012 5:36 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 BlueMuff Mon Sep 17, 2012 4:03 am

So saddened to hear of this tragic news. Deepest sympathies to Spence familiy especially the two sisters and their mother.

by BoyneRFC Mon Sep 17, 2012 4:16 am

RIP. Tragic news. Puts it all into perspective.

by ScarletSpiderman Mon Sep 17, 2012 4:29 am

Really tragic. Heart and preys go out to his mother, and sisters.

by boomeranga Mon Sep 17, 2012 5:42 am

Bad stuff. Thoughts go with his family, friends, and the Ulster and Irish posters here. Feel very sad for his poor mum.

by geoff998rugby Mon Sep 17, 2012 6:14 am

As expected Ulster have asked for the Zebre game to be postponed.

Also there will be a public as well as a private service - details to follow.

by red_stag Mon Sep 17, 2012 6:15 am

I really hope Geoff that this postponement is granted without a question asked.

by caoimhincentre Mon Sep 17, 2012 6:22 am

such a promising talent.

my thoughts are with his family at this time.

RIP

by Rava Mon Sep 17, 2012 6:23 am

red_stag wrote:I really hope Geoff that this postponement is granted without a question asked.

Stag, this is from the Rabo Site. Shouldn't be a problem at all.

"It will take time for the Ulster players, management and fans to come to terms with their loss and the RaboDirect PRO12 has been robbed of one of its rising stars."

RaboDirect PRO12 will liaise with Ulster Rugby with regards to the next round of matches and will respect the wishes of Nevin's family and teammates.

by red_stag Mon Sep 17, 2012 6:24 am

Im really glad to hear that Rava.

by Guest Mon Sep 17, 2012 6:36 am

Saw it in our papers. Such a tragedy and hard to comprehend, thoughts go out his family and friends.

by **rodders** Mon Sep 17, 2012 6:49 am

PM for Geoff.

by RuggerRadge2611 Mon Sep 17, 2012 7:29 am

Tragic news. Very sad indeed. Sad

by Backrower678 Mon Sep 17, 2012 9:22 am

Horrendous news, words cant describe this incident.

by clivemcl Mon Sep 17, 2012 9:26 am

by geoff998rugby Mon Sep 17, 2012 9:35 am

The club are thinking hard has best to remember him in the right way.

One idea, of many, is to wear the away black kit for the rest of the season - what do Ulster fans think?

by clivemcl Mon Sep 17, 2012 9:40 am

Yea, I'd be happy enough with that Geoff. I have thought about, if we win something, it would feel hard to enjoy it without recognizing the part Spence has played in the teams evolution to this point somehow.

Most of the senior players have been very quiet so far. I worry about them and how they are all taking it.

by Hookisms and Hyperbole Mon Sep 17, 2012 9:49 am

I'm sure there are a few people here who know some Ulster players personally. I know a couple of guys very well and texted them on Sunday just to say that my thoughts with the Spence family and the team, as hollow as those words mean in the light of something like this. I got a text back this morning as he said alot of the guys are not doing very well, especially the younger players who played underage rugby and came up the ranks alongside him. We all know about the Christian ethos of some of the players and my mate was saying that helped some of the players.

I haven't been on these boards for some time and now when I wanted to post something again I find it difficult to articulate anything meaningful. I thought Shane Logan spoke very well on Newsline today at lunch time about the dignity of the family and how Ulster rugby should not the focus and we should think about the Spence family.

I too heard about the idea of the black shirt, and also they might ask for some sort of dispensation to 'retire' the 13 shirt for the rest of the season.

by Artful_Dodger Mon Sep 17, 2012 9:57 am

clivemcl wrote:Yea, I'd be happy enough with that Geoff. I have thought about, if we win something, it would feel hard to enjoy it without recognizing the part Spence has played in the teams evolution to this point somehow.

Most of the senior players have been very quiet so far. I worry about them and how they are all taking it.

I hope that the players particularly the young players can look to guys like Muller for hope and support, particularly given Johann's religious beliefs. I'd support anything to remember Spence by for the season including wearing black.

by **rodders** Mon Sep 17, 2012 10:01 am

Thanks for the post Hook. Hope you are doing ok.

Retiring the 13 shirt would be a nice tribute I think. I'm sure the club will choose something appropriate to recognise everything Spence contributed in his all too short career. He was a big part in getting us to where we are and no one whos watched Ulster over the last few years will forget that.

by SecretFly Mon Sep 17, 2012 10:30 am

....or rather that they might all wear 13 for a single game? Difficult to ref but still very doable with heart in right place. it would certainly be a statement... not that statements are needed but rather a display of emotion about a young player and his family at a visual level.

by Rava Mon Sep 17, 2012 10:31 am

Further to the death of Ulster player Nevin Spence last weekend, the match between Zebre and Ulster due to be played on 21st September 2012 in Parma will be postponed to a later date.

An announcement will be made in due course with the rescheduled match information.
A moment of silence will be observed at all RaboDirect PRO12 matches this coming weekend.

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/10792.php

by red_stag Mon Sep 17, 2012 10:40 am

rodders wrote:Retiring the 13 shirt would be a nice tribute I think.

As tragic as Nevins death was this should not be explored. I doubt it is something Nevin would want.

I am glad to hear that Ulsters game is postponed and that there is going to be a minute silence. I am also really glad to hear that Munster and Leinster are encouraging the fans to sing Stand Up for the Ulstermen at their home games this weekend.

by **rodders** Mon Sep 17, 2012 10:57 am

Its up to the club stag, and family, I will support whatever they do.

That is a lovely touch stag. I'm moved that Leinster and Munster are suggesting that guinness

by bluestonevedder Mon Sep 17, 2012 11:08 am

Great response from Munster and Leinster.

Still struggling to come to terms with this, as more and more of the events unfold. Simply terrible.

I only wish that I could sign the Book of Condolences.

by clivemcl Mon Sep 17, 2012 11:12 am

I would really encourage everyone if at all possible to get down to sign the book. Not possible for everyone I know, but Internet and social media is so temporary. There is a list of condolences from various people in the rugby world collated on the irishrugby website. Very touching.

by ReadBetweenthePosts Mon Sep 17, 2012 11:15 am

I had thought about the wearing of the black kit as a tribute, I think it's a good idea..
Another idea would be name one of the new stands after him ensuring he'll never be forgotten

by **rodders** Mon Sep 17, 2012 11:24 am

Clive I hope the club extend the BOC until the weekend. I will certainly come then if its still there. If anyone can suggest the most appropriate way to contact the club to request this then please let me know.

I suspect they are swamped with messages and would rather not post on fb.

by Don Alfonso Mon Sep 17, 2012 11:27 am

I’m not so keen on the black kit idea. I think, because it’s new, and I never saw Spence wear it.

I was really impressed with Zebre’s offer to play this weekend’s game in Belfast. I can understand why Ulster would rather postpone, but I think it was a highly gracious and generous offer.

The Leinster- and Munsterfans’ offers to sing SUFTUM at the next match will have a fair few of us fighting back tears, I’d say.

by **Notch** Mon Sep 17, 2012 11:29 am

I visited Ravenhill today. A very sad atmosphere pervades the ground. A lot of people are grieving.

I'm touched by the plans of Leinster and Munster fans to sing Stand Up for the Ulstermen during their matches.

by geoff998rugby Mon Sep 17, 2012 11:29 am

I'm hoping we can play the Blues at home the following weekend by switch our fixtures round.

The next game should be at home if at all possible.

by MrsP Mon Sep 17, 2012 11:31 am

This is just so tragic that words seem inadequate.

Mostly our politicans talk a load of nonsense but one of them pointed out that although a rugby team can replace a player, the hole left in the lives of all who knew and loved these three men will never be filled. Young children left without their father, 2 young women left without their father and brothers and another without her husband and yet another who has lost her husband and both her sons.

All three will leave huge holes. The hole in the Ulster rugby family is but one of those although it is the one we all can most easily see.

I will support whatever way the family and club choose to remember these men. I have heard suggested that a Trophy be awarded in their memory to the winner of the match between the Ravens and Munster A.

Perhaps their names embroidered on the players shirts so they carry them with them in each match as they will already be doing in their hearts.

bluestonevedder,

Perhaps you could send a card to Ravenhill and ask that it be included in the book?

Matthew 11 v 28

by Rava Mon Sep 17, 2012 11:32 am

Ulster Rugby can be contacted by email on: -

standup@ulsterrugby.com

Bluestonevedder, I'm sure if you send your message by email they will include it when they pass everything to the family.

by UlstermaninGlasgow Mon Sep 17, 2012 11:32 am

Not just Leinster and Munster.

I have been chatting to a number of the Warriors Supporters Club members and they plan to have a chorus of Stand Up after the minute's silence on Friday night.

Maybe a few of the other teams fans could try and arrange it so we all sing this weekend? It would be fitting that all the Rabo teams should be united in this tragedy.

by bluestonevedder Mon Sep 17, 2012 11:34 am

I hadn't thought of that, many thanks MrsP and Rava

by clivemcl Mon Sep 17, 2012 11:37 am

Even the thought of Munster and Leinster singing SUFTUM makes my eyes fill. The reality of it would be emotional indeed.

by Mark.Dublin.SUFTUM Mon Sep 17, 2012 11:58 am

I have been reading through all your comments regarding this absolute tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends at this unimaginable time of heartache and pain.
I am also an Ulster supporter and I am sitting here in tears after reading some of the kind words and gestures from you all. Just reading about Leinster, Munster and other clubs supporters suggesting singing SUFTUM at their games as a mark of respect is unbelievably humbling, gracious and kind.

God Bless you all.

by BelfastNI Mon Sep 17, 2012 12:23 pm

With regards to tributes, the minute's silence and other fans singing suftum is very touching and appreciated by the fans, players and family I'm sure.
I'd support the use of the black kit, though their names embroidered on any kit would be appropriate and perhaps a source of strength to his teammates.
I've heard some suggestions of naming a stand after Nevin - I'd have no objections, though my own initial thought was that we should name the Academy after him. As Humph said, he was everything they looked for in a young player, on and off the pitch, so if one positive thing can come out of this nightmarish situation, it could be that Nevin is used a role model and inspiration to our young players.
Anyway I'm just rambling. It's way too early to make decisions like this though. I'm still grief-stricken, so can't imagine how the people in the family and Ulster Rugby are feeling.

by A-Darts Mon Sep 17, 2012 12:50 pm

Being from Co. Down myself I have been chatting to people who knew the family personally and each one of them has had such a great word for the family. Utterly devastating..

by Rava Mon Sep 17, 2012 12:59 pm

A memorial service for Nevin Spence will be held at Ravenhill Rugby Grounds on Sunday 23rd September at 3pm.

by Rory_Gallagher Mon Sep 17, 2012 1:01 pm

I am going to try and get down to Ravenhill on Friday. Plus that memorial service. I still can't believe it.

by Cari Mon Sep 17, 2012 1:06 pm

I've asked someone to sign the Book of Condolence on my behalf. I'd have done it myself if I was within travelling distance.

I understand the weekend's Ulster has now been postponed, and no doubt when they play the following week a minute silence will be observed. I'm sure the other clubs playing this weekend will observe that anyway.

by Rory_Gallagher Mon Sep 17, 2012 1:10 pm

I am glad they are postponing the game, it had to be done.

by Cari Mon Sep 17, 2012 1:13 pm

Rory - I couldn't see it going ahead at all. Even if it was forced upon the players I wouldn't have been surprised if some refused and they were forced to cancel anyway.

Some positive news though, I read that Emma Spence had been discharged from hospital last night.

by SecretFly Mon Sep 17, 2012 1:28 pm

I understand and perfectly respect, and concur with, the players' desire to postpone the game.

This man though played two concerts right in the middle of the dying and death of his father. And the emotion of those two nights was spellbinding. It can sometimes be a powerful sign of beautiful energy to carry on in adversity with thoughts flooding and emotions pure in memory of the person/or persons lost.

Anyway, I think this song has resonances for the loss of Nevin and his family members, and the sense of losing itself. For Nevin:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJaoD3YVopw

by Cari Mon Sep 17, 2012 1:35 pm

Thanks Fly. I was listening to them last night.

by **rodders** Mon Sep 17, 2012 1:43 pm

The IRFU have opened a book of condolence in Dublin according the BBCNI.

Will be going to the memorial service on Sunday for sure.

by JayMaster3000 Mon Sep 17, 2012 2:16 pm

I would say do all of the above and more. Wear a simple jet black kit for the rest of the season, name one of the new stands after the family and name the academy after Nevin, it's all fitting but still doesn't feel like enough though.

by Guest Mon Sep 17, 2012 2:59 pm

red_stag wrote:
rodders wrote:Retiring the 13 shirt would be a nice tribute I think.

As tragic as Nevins death was this should not be explored. I doubt it is something Nevin would want.

I am glad to hear that Ulsters game is postponed and that there is going to be a minute silence. I am also really glad to hear that Munster and Leinster are encouraging the fans to sing Stand Up for the Ulstermen at their home games this weekend.

Scarlets fans are discussing getting us all to sing Stand Up for the Ulstermen on Friday evening also. We'll be contacting the stadium announcer to make him aware of what we want to do so fingers crossed it will be announced in the stadium beforehand so that others outside of the fans forums are aware of it and can join in too.

I can only add my comments to what everyone else has said on here. I come from a farming community myself which has suffered from such tragic accidents/almost accidents before and can understand how far reaching the effects of losing people in that type of community can be like. My thoughts are with the family and all those involved with Ulster rugby.

by **Ozzy3213** Mon Sep 17, 2012 3:44 pm

I have posted this on all of the AP clubs fans message boards....

Fellow rugby fans, I come to you all this evening with a plea for something to mark all of our respect and sorrow over the tragic death of Nevin Spence.

I know that there is to be a minutes silence at all games, but the suggestion has been raised that all rugby fans at matches across Britain and Ireland sing the Ulster anthem, Stand Up For The Ulstermen. For those who do not know, this is sung to the tune of the popular song Go West.

It would be a huge show of respect if every clubs fans could do this, and would show Ulster Rugby that the solidarity of the worldwide rugby family is in tact.

I leave this with you and hope that between fans we can try to achieve this for a club that is at this time utterly devastasted.

Thanks

Pete

by Rava Mon Sep 17, 2012 4:02 pm

Ozzy3213 wrote:I have posted this on all of the AP clubs fans message boards....

Fellow rugby fans, I come to you all this evening with a plea for something to mark all of our respect and sorrow over the tragic death of Nevin Spence.

I know that there is to be a minutes silence at all games, but the suggestion has been raised that all rugby fans at matches across Britain and Ireland sing the Ulster anthem, Stand Up For The Ulstermen. For those who do not know, this is sung to the tune of the popular song Go West.

It would be a huge show of respect if every clubs fans could do this, and would show Ulster Rugby that the solidarity of the worldwide rugby family is in tact.

I leave this with you and hope that between fans we can try to achieve this for a club that is at this time utterly devastasted.

Thanks

Pete

Pete,

Ta mate. This would be an amazing gesture.

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