Two generations lost in minutes

“The Spence family have farmed in Drumlough for five generations and to have lost two generations of men in the space of a few minutes is incomprehensible for most of the community,” said Mr Poots.

“People in the area were used to seeing Noel and Graham out and about on tractors on a regular basis and they were always known to be very helpful to other neighbours in their time of need.”

He continued: “Nevin, of course, was a rising star in the Ulster rugby team and without doubt had the talent to become an international star at rugby.

“My heart goes out to Essie, Andrea, Laura and Emma at this time. They have been so gracious in how they have dealt with this tragedy and I just trust that they will be sustained even over the months and years that lie ahead.”

Mr Poots paid tribute to friends and neighbours who have supported the family at this difficult time, as well as praising the emergency services for their work on the tragic night.

“I would also wish to acknowledge the neighbours who helped at the scene and subsequent to that in managing the farm and also to the emergency services, all of whom had to deal with a very difficult and traumatic situation,” he said.

Details of the accident were outlined by Mr Poots who said: “Emma risked her own life to try and save her father and brothers. Physically, I don’t know how she managed it because her dad is a big man.

“With the weight of the slurry and so on, she needed to muster unbelievable strength to get him pulled up. And then she went back in again, risking her life a second time.”

“I do know that the Spence family have a strong Christian faith and that each of them had made a personal commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ is an immense source of comfort to the family in that they have the sure and certain hope that they will be reunited in a better place,” Mr Poots concluded.