Obituary - Thomas (Tom) Tobin, Currareigh, Lismore
It is with deep regret and sadness that we record the passing of Thomas (Tom) Tobin, Currareigh, Lismore, Co Waterford, brother of the late Jimmy, Walter and Michael (Bonso). Thomas passed away peacefully, in the loving care of the nursing staff at The Mercy Hospital, Cork on Sunday, February 20th.
Lying in repose at Aidan Walsh & Sons Funeral Home, Tallow on Monday evening 21st, Rosary was recited by Rev. Fr. Pat Butler P.P in the presence of his loving family. Reposing on Tuesday evening, where funeral prayers were recited by Fr. Butler, in the presence of his loving family and friends, before removal took place to Church of the Immaculate Conception in Tallow. On arrival, his remains were received and blessed by Rev. Fr. G. McNamara P.P..
On Wednesday morning, funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr. McNamara. A lovely selection of music and hymns was provided by soloist Sinead O’Neill and organist Mairead Cullinane throughout the Mass.
Symbols representing Tom’s life were presented to the altar by his granddaughters Rachel Cleary (garden ornament) and Amy Cleary (box of tea), his nieces Ciara Duffin (Man United colours), Claire Tobin (Milky Moo sweets) and Sandie McGrath (family photo) and his sister-in-law Helen Tobin (Waterford GAA jersey). The significance of these was narrated by his niece Margaret Ormonde.
Readings during the Mass were recited by his niece Maureen Roche and son-in-law Fergal Giles. Prayers of the Faithful were read by his nieces Paula McGrath and Mairead Crean, son-in-law Brian Cleary, neighbour Kitty McDonnell and relative Ann Walsh, while the offertory gifts were presented to the altar by his relative Andy Cunningham and neighbour Pat McCarthy.
Then, following Communion, his niece Siobhan Hickey read the Communion reflection ‘What is Dying’. His daughter Deirdre delivered a fitting eulogy giving an insight into her Dad’s life, interests and hobbies and the influence he had on their lives.
Following the funeral Mass, burial took place in the adjoining cemetery, where Rev. Fr. McNamara officiated the graveside prayers, as Tom was laid to rest in the presence of his loving family, neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace.
Funeral arrangements were provided by Aidan Walsh and Sons Funeral Directors, Cappoquin and Tallow.
‘WHAT IS DYING’
I am standing on the sea shore,
A ship at my side spreads his white sails to the morning breeze, and starts for the blue ocean.
He is an object of beauty and strength,
And I stand and watch until he hangs
like a speck of white cloud
just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says “There he goes!”
Gone where? Gone from my sight that is all
He is just as large in mast and hull and spar as he was when he left my side, And just as able to bear his load of living freight to the place of destination
His diminished size is in me and not him
And just at the moment
When someone at my side says “There he goes”
There are other eyes that are watching him coming and
the other voices ready to take up the glad shout
‘Here He Comes’.
We extend our deepest sympathy to his loving wife Sheila (nee Cunningham), daughters Deirdre Giles and Irene Tobin, brothers Noel (Gal), Kevin, Billy, Maurice, Joe and Patrick, sisters Jenny, Mary (Maunie), Sarah, Kitty and Norah, sons-in-law Fergal Giles and Brian Cleary, granddaughters Rachel and Amy, brothers-in-law, sisters-inlaw, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.