Mayor signing Spence book of condolence

The Book of Condolence will be open at the City of Derry Rugby Club house at Judges Road from Thursday until Sunday, for members of the public wishing to sign.

The Spence family members died after they were overcome by slurry gas at their family farm last Saturday. The funerals of Noel Spence and his two sons, Graham and Nevin, took place yesterday at Ballynahinch Baptist Church, attended by hundreds of mourners.

Nevin Spence played for the Ulster Rugby team and represented Ireland in a game against Barbarians last year.

Mayor Campbell said he was deeply shocked and saddened by the deaths and was keen to show his support for the Spence family and the local community in Co. Down.

He said as well as signing the book of condolence he will be sending a letter of condolence to the family on behalf of the people of Londonderry expressing sympathy and offering support.

Expressing his condolences, Mayor Campbell said: “This is a devastating tragedy that has struck at the heart of everyone. My sincere sympathies to the Spence family at this terrible time and the thoughts of everyone are with them as they try to comprehend their loss.”

The Spence tragedy occurred within days of the death of Fermanagh Gaelic football star Brian Óg Maguire, who also died at work - in an industrial accident at a factory in Derrylin.