Only one word, tragic, rip

From the BBC website:

Spence family slurry deaths: Inquest hears tragic details

Details have emerged of how three members of the Spence family died during an accident at their farm outside Hillsborough last year. They were revealed during the inquest into their deaths. Ulster rugby player Nevin Spence, his father Noel and brother Graham died after entering a slurry tank on their farm on 15 September, 2012.

The inquest heard that Graham Spence was the first to enter the tank in an attempt to rescue a dog. After being told the dog was in the tank, Graham got a ladder and dropped it down a manhole into it.
He then went down into the tank which had about four feet of slurry in it. The hearing heard after about 20 seconds of Graham calling for the collie dog he came back up the ladder, but as his head was just at the level of manhole, he fell back into the tank. Nevin went in after him and he too became overcome by the slurry fumes before their 58-year-old father Noel went down the ladder and also lost consciousness. Friends, neighbours and family members, including Mrs Ismay Spence, all tried to get the men out of the tank.

Emma Rice, a sister of the two brothers who had just left the house, returned after seeing cars speed up to it. In her statement which was read out to the court, she said she heard someone say "they are all in the tank". She went down into the tank and managed to find her father and pulled him up the ladder with the help of others. She then started first aid on him before going back into the pit. Emma found her 30-year-old brother Graham in the darkness and had started to pull him up the ladder when she felt faint and lost consciousness. A neighbour rescued her and Graham was also eventually pulled out. A fire officer with breathing apparatus found Nevin and the dog in the tank.
'Love of your family'

Noel and Nevin were pronounced dead at the scene, while Graham was taken to Lagan Valley Hospital where he later died. Emma was treated at the Royal Victoria Hospital and when the coroner John Leckey asked how her health was now, she replied "I have a few pains but as my dad would say, it's far from my heart".

Mr Leckey asked was she aware of the dangers of what she did and she said "Yes, but when it comes to the love of your family..." She went on to thank those who rescued her. Mr Leckey said her actions and the rescue attempts by others were very brave. There are more than 25 witnesses to give evidence during the inquest which is due to finish on Tuesday. Among those to be called will be immediate members of the Spence family, friends, neighbours - many of whom have known the family for years. Members of the emergency services are also to give evidence along with the NI Heath and Safety Executive. The inquest has now been adjourned for the day.

Nevin Spence, who was 22, was considered one of the up-and-coming stars of the Ulster team and had been widely regarded as a future Ireland international.

That's the way they did it at the Leinster game and the ref was good enough to give it another 30 seconds before blowing for kick off. Hopefully someone has a word in the refs ear to let him know.

Hi

Branch has confirmed that MInutes Silence will be observed prior to kickoff..

ConnachtRugbyFacebook wrote: Hi Ronan we are planning on holding a minute silence for Nevin, Noel and Graham Spence before the match begins

I would suggest that following up with SUFTUM at kickoff or just before would be optimum.

Once the game is in full flow it will be harder to get going, and at halftime there are other distractions (loo / beer breaks)....

I know it has been mentioned in the match thread, and I know we're all in favour, but we should co-ordinate the plan to sing our tribute Friday night. I don't know if there's a minute's silence - I know it has been asked - but maybe when we know the answer, we can decide a suitable point to pay our respects. Is it worth asking the branch to see if an announcement can be made over the tannoy?

A desperate accident. Cant bear thinking about the position that they found themselves in.
May they rest in peace and my thoughts are with the Mother, Sisters, Wives, Kids,and friends.
An awful blow to any family, team and community.

Condolences to the Spence Family & to the Ulster Rugby community on this tragic loss. Nevin was destined for the Irish XV, a small player with a huge heart. I always admired his work ethic on the field. RIP Nevin

A complete tragedy. I only heard yesterday, but I still can't stop thinking about it. I can't even imagine how his Mum and sisters will go on, having lost the three men in such horrendous circumstances. Nevin's brother was married with two young children it seems. My heart goes out to them all. RIP.

PS: I think the idea of singing stand up for the ulster men after the minutes silence is a great one.

RIP Nevin, brother and father

i was in shock when i seen this late yesterday when i came in after the game.

Hard to find the words...... Distraught. The lad was a fantastic player and evidently a great person. Sincere condolences to his family and all at Ulster rugby.

Just heard the news now and in a state of shock. My thoughts go out to his family and Ulster Rugby a great player and a huge loss to Ulster, Ireland and Rugby in general.

EDIT: I'm sure there'll be a minutes silence at the next game. The Leinster and Munster fans are going to sing Stand Up for the Ulster Men after. I for one will be singing it to just wanted to put it out there if anyone wanted to join in.

Devastating news that we have lost one of the brightest stars of Irish rugby in such a terrible accident. RIP Nevin.

RIP. Condolences to the Spence familly at this tragic time.

RIP

Borders no.2 wrote: Heard on the news about the story of the farm accident. Can't put into words a desperate tragedy like this. There's no official confirmation but it looks like Ulster centre Nevin Spence is one of the deceased judging by comments all over the internet and on twitter. All so sad. Here's us complaining about the mistakes made in a rugby game today. Its all so irrelevant really after news like that.

Indeed everything else is just completely irrelevant when you read about a tragedy like that. Watched him in the U20 test game at the Aviva a couple of years back. A serious talent, he looked to have a massive rugby future ahead of himself.....

RIP Nevin and brother and father.