Principal pays warm tribute to former pupil

It is just a few years since Nevin was a pupil at the local school and he was a regular visitor to the school, often returning to see pupils and staff.

Nevin was at the school just last Friday, and all at the school deeply feel his loss.

Speaking on behalf of the Wallace community, Mrs O’Hare said: “It is with immense sadness that we learnt of the tragic accident which has taken the lives of three members of the Spence family.

“The loss of Nevin, our much respected former student and a role model for so many young rugby players, his brother Graham and his father Noel, is a devastating tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Spence family. We wish our colleague Emma Rice a full recovery.”

Elsewhere, members of Hillsborough Young Farmers’ Club, many of whom knew Nevin and his family, paid tribute to the family.

“The members of Hillsborough Young Farmers Club have been shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the tragic deaths of Noel, Graham and Nevin Spence. Although the Spences were not members of Hillsborough Young Farmers Club, they were well known by, and friends of, many past and present members as well as the local community.

“The Spence family are a very recognised and respected family within the Hillsborough/Drumlough community and afar. On behalf of all who are, and have been involved in Hillsborough Young Farmers’ Club we would like to express our deepest heartfelt sympathy to the extended Spence family and to let them know our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.”

Nevin watched Lisburn Rugby Club play at Dromore on Saturday, paying tribute to the local player on their website, Lisburn Rugby Club said: “He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory. Lisburn Rugby Club, members and supporters would like to express their deepest condolences to the Spence family. Your presence is a gift to the world, You’re unique and one of a kind.”

The club will also hold a minute’s silence before their match at home to Randalstown tomorrow.

The captain of Ulster Rugby, Johann Muller, has said Nevin Spence will never be forgotten by the squad.

Speaking this week, he commented: “On behalf of the entire Ulster Rugby squad, I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the Spence family at this time.

“Nevin’s loss will be felt deeply by us all. We are equally saddened by the tragic deaths of his father Noel and his brother Graham. The thoughts of every member of the squad are with Nevin’s mother Essie, and his sisters Emma and Laura. We would also like to pass on our condolences to Graham’s wife and children. We wish Emma a full and speedy recovery.

“His positive outlook on life brought a smile to people’s faces. He was kind, polite, generous and courageous, and we were blessed to have him in our team. The one comfort for us as a squad is that we have each other for support. It has been a difficult time for the players and coaches but I believe that through this tragic loss, we will have a new sense of togetherness.

“I and the rest of the Ulster Rugby squad would like to thank the many people who have sent messages of support to the club, not only from within the Province, but throughout Ireland, Europe and the world. It is clear from these messages that Nevin was highly regarded by players and fans of many different sports, in many different countries.

“I would like to thank the organising committee of the RaboDirect PRO12 for postponing this weekend’s game with Zebre and for allowing us the space and time to begin to come to terms with Nevin’s loss.

“In the coming weeks, the Ulster Rugby team will return to the pitch. Over the course of the rest of this year and in future seasons we will experience wins and we will no doubt suffer defeats. Players will move on or retire and new players will come in and represent the Province. But going forward, at Ulster Rugby, one thing will never change. As long as this great club exists, the person and the player, Nevin Spence, will never be forgotten.”