Nevin Spence (left) and Paddy McAllister at a press conference in snowy Ulster in December 2010
Nevin Spence was described as “a great man and a great friend” on the 10th anniversary of his death.
The Ulster Center died on 15 September 2012 aged 22 alongside his brother Graham and father Noel in an accident at the family farm in Hillsborough.
It was a tragedy that not only affected the local community but gripped the sport across Ireland.
Paddy McAllister, who came through Ulster’s ranks with Spence, said he has “fond memories of Nevin which I remember like yesterday”.
“At times like now, when anniversaries come, thoughts, funny moments and arguments, things like what brothers and friends are doing linger,” he added.
“I feel lucky to have met Nevin. Unfortunately, as a 16-year-old playing rugby for Ulster Schools we had a resemblance where we both got injured quite regularly so we spent a lot of time together.
“It became a good friendship. Ten years later, as a husband and father, there are many more good memories.”
McAllister, who left Ulster in 2014 before playing for Gloucester and Connacht, said he cherishes his friendship with Spence.
“The first time we spent face-to-face time was at an Irish Academy camp down at UCD,” he recalled.
“We were walking down the campus hallway and he jumped on me from behind to try and wrestle me.
“Now I have two older brothers and Nevin had Graham so it was a physical relationship.”
Fans left tributes to Ravenhill after the deaths of Nevin Spence, his father Noel and brother Graham
McAllister said his roommate, Spence, was “high-spirited and eager to learn” and “always had a smile on his face.”
“Sharing the pitch with someone is a brotherhood, but being best friends and having a relationship off the pitch is very special.
“That’s something I’ve had with Nevin and will cherish.
“He loved helping, he loved having fun, he took his family to heart and he loved going back to the farm and to his family.
“He was extremely chaotic. His poor mother [Essie]. He had prepared all his meals for himself and he didn’t even wash the dishes to bring them back to her. She had to do the dirty laundry.”
Spence would have played for Ireland
Spence was first introduced to rugby at Dromore High School and Wallace High School and played his club rugby with Ballynahinch. He was also an able footballer, playing for the Northern Ireland Under-16s.
A member of Ulster Academy, Spence made his senior Ulster debut in April 2010 against Ospreys. In just over two seasons in which he played for Ulster, he made 42 appearances, scoring five tries.
He made 11 appearances for Ireland Under-20 rugby team, scoring four tries, and was called up to Ireland’s senior training squad for the 2011 Six Nations.
“There are fond memories. People have often asked me what Nev would have done in his career and of course the trajectory was that he would have played for Ireland,” added McAllister.
“We were little kids back then, loving life and playing for Ulster. There is no better feeling and no better job.
“He’s already played ‘A’ for Ireland and it’s a nice conversation with friends and family to ask how far he could have gone.
“There are no memories of sadness, there are memories of someone who did something amazing in a short life, and that comforts us.”
Nevin Spence represented Ireland at youth level and coached with the senior team
Nevin and his family shaped me
McAllister said it was “important” to remember the entire Spence family on the anniversary of the tragic accident.
Nevin, Graham and Noel are survived by mother Essie and sisters Emma and Laura.
“Nevin was a prominent member of the rugby community at such a young age, but there was also Noel and Graham who left their family.
“Words cannot describe how a family can grieve or get over it. It’s strange, in the beginning when the event happened we tried to comfort her, but I found that I got strength from Essie, Emma and Laura.
“They are an amazingly strong family with their faith and community and it’s amazing to see their families blossom through Emma and Laura.
“The memory of all three men lives on and each in their respective communities will have their own fond memories.”
Nevin’s sisters Emma and Laura and mother Essie at the opening of the Nevin Spence Center in Ravenhill in August 2015
McAllister added that he was “very lucky” to have grown up with Spence and they bonded over their shared Christian faith.
“As I progressed through Ulster’s ranks, mine and Nevin’s careers were very similar.
“He was a young Christian man, and so am I, and we were each other’s security blanket on certain occasions. It was hard to lose that, but faith is the most amazing thing you can have.
“I had a friendship and a relationship with Nevin that instilled something in me that allowed me to live a certain way.
“I’m living my life the best I can be and part of me has been shaped by Nevin and his family.”
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