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Nevin Spence Centre opened at Ulster rugby ground

Emma Spence inside the new Nevin Spence Centre at the Kingspan Ulster Rugby  Stadium which is dedicated in her brother's memory<br />&nbsp;
Emma Spence inside the new Nevin Spence Centre at the Kingspan Ulster Rugby Stadium which is dedicated in her brother's memory
 
Emma Spence inside the new Nevin Spence Centre at the Kingspan Ulster Rugby Stadium which is dedicated in her brother's memory
 

THE family of an Ulster rugby player killed in a farming accident three years ago said it is "humbling" that a new education centre has been opened in his name.

The Nevin Spence Centre has opened at Ulster's Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.

Nevin Spence, his brother Graham and father Noel were killed in a slurry tank accident at the family's farm near Hillsborough in 2012.

The player's mother Essie and his sisters Emma and Laura attended the official opening.

Emma Spence said the family were touched by the gesture.

"It has been an honour to come and see how Nevin's name has been remembered," she said.

"Every time somebody walks into Ulster's ground, they will see his name above the door and it is a privilege that he has been given such a legacy.

"Nevin was special to us, and now we find this centre special.

"I hope when people go there they will learn a bit about Nevin and the character he was.

"It is humbling that this honour has been given to him."

The centre, which includes exhibits about the history of Ulster rugby, was opened by sports minister Carál Ní Chuilín.

"The Nevin Spence Centre will bring children from all over the north and from all backgrounds to Kingspan Stadium and will allow them to learn new skills in a very fun environment," she said.

Bobby Stewart, president of the Ulster Branch of the the IRFU, said the centre was a "vibrant and entirely fitting way to remember Nevin".