Remembered with fondness - Thomas (Tom) Tobin, Currareigh, Lismore
It is with broken hearts and deep sadness that we record the peaceful passing of Thomas (Tom) Tobin, Currareigh, Lismore (parish of Tallow), Co. Waterford on February 20th.
Thomas Francis Tobin was born on April 25th, 1946 in Janeville to James and Margaret Tobin. He grew up surrounded by a loving family of 9 brothers and 5 sisters and he often recalled many good times with his parents, his siblings and extended family in the hinterlands of Janeville and Kilwatermoy.
Following his primary education in Tallow Boys’ school, he started work in Tallow Creamery where he also worked with his brothers Maurice and Noel (Gal). His hardworking nature continued in Castlelyons Creamery - he was never afraid of hard work and long shift hours and always worked hard to provide for his family. He worked in Castlelyons creamery for 36 years.
Thomas met Sheila Cunningham in the Arch Ballroom, Tallow and following many outings to dances in Red Barn, Youghal, The Arch Ballroom in Tallow and the Top Hat, Fermoy they married in July 1973. Sheila, as an only child was welcomed warmly into his family in Janeville and likewise, Tom was welcomed into the home in Currareigh where he lived all his married life.
Sheila and Tom loved being together. In fact, always together, never apart, married 48 years, they were always looking out, caring and worrying about each other. They had two daughters, Deirdre and Irene. As they grew up, the home he was welcomed into was maintained, renovated and nourished for all his family needs.
He loved his garden. His home in Currareigh is a lovely place. Be it Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter there are colours planted, for all year-round bloom ensuring the place never looks dull. Tom was always pruning, cutting the lawns, sweeping the leaves – those leaves were the scorn of him. The neighbours often hearing loud happy whistling or him trying to better Pavarotti while singing over the lawnmower.
Tom loved his cars. From his motorcycle during his courting years to his Mini, his many Opels, Fords and Toyotas, he washed and cleaned them every weekend and always took great pride in owning a vehicle. Those cars are what bought his family on many Sunday spins to visit family and friends on both Cunningham and Tobin sides, which has resulted in many friendships and good memories over the years.
His love of GAA and especially the small ball gave many interesting and exciting outings supporting Waterford around the country. This love of GAA also extended to the local GAA scene supporting Tallow and Shamrocks GAA. That love also extended into the Cork county club hurling scene and he was often found at Cork club games at weekends. Tom’s delight was when Brian joined the family and he could speak of Limerick hurling and when Fergal joined the family, speaking and laughing about the lack of a small ball in County Meath!
THE DRAW OF HOME
Tom had a stoic, non-complaining, always gentle, smiling rogue nature and lovely “Tommy Blue Eyes”. He was a unique individual and will be sadly missed by all those lucky enough to have known him.
The past year was difficult for Tom. His home was so important to him. Being away for so long was difficult but his wish to get home was strong. Along with his strength and resilience and the drive to rehabilitate, he did make it home, helped along by staff in St Mary’s Ward at Mercy University Hospital and St Finbarr’s Hospital, Douglas, Cork.
On Monday, 21st February, Tom visited his family home in Currareigh one last time, where he was met by some family and neighbours and prayers were led by Aidan Walsh.
Sadly, after a long illness Tom passed to his eternal reward on Sunday, 20th February.
LOVINGLY REMEMBERED
Lying in repose at Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Home Tallow on the Monday and Tuesday evenings, Father Butler recited Rosary prayers in the presence of his loving family and a large cortege of mourners. His remains were removed to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Tallow, Co. Waterford on Tuesday evening, received by Rev. Fr McNamara PP.
Then, on Wednesday morning, a lovely Mass of celebration was conducted by Rev. Fr McNamara PP, with soloist Sinead O’Neill, organist Mairead Cullinane and many family members and friends in attendance.
Symbols of Tom’s life were presented to the altar by Rachel Cleary, granddaughter (garden ornament), Amy Cleary, granddaughter (box of Lyons teabags), Ciara Duffin, niece (Manchester United colours), Claire Tobin, niece (bag of Milky Moo sweets), Helen Tobin, sister-inlaw (Waterford GAA jersey) and Sandra McGrath, niece (family photo). The symbols were narrated on 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 Paula McGrath (niece), Brian Cleary (son-in-law), Mairead Crean (niece), Kitty McDonnell (neighbour) and Ann Walsh (relative).
Offertory gifts of bread and wine were presented by relative, Andy Cunningham and neighbour, Patrick McCarthy.
Communion Reflection (‘Gone From My Sight’ aka ‘What is Dying’ by Rev Luther F. Beecher) was read by his niece Siobhan Hickey. Tom’s daughter, Deirdre Giles delivered an eulogy recalling her father’s life events and acknowledging the support their family received from community, family and friends.
Following the funeral Mass, burial took place in the adjoining cemetery.
Thomas made the good things better and the bad things go away. Memories of Thomas, Tom, Tommy Toe, a dad, a husband, a granddad, a father-in-law, a brother, an uncle, a grand-uncle, a friend and neighbour will be everlasting in the lives of his heart-broken wife Sheila, daughters Deirdre and Irene, brothers Noel (Gal), Kevin, Billy, Maurice, Joe and Patrick, sisters Jenny, Mary (Maunie), Sarah, Kitty and Norah, sons-in-laws Fergal Giles and Brian Cleary, granddaughters Rachel and Amy Cleary, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
They are all comforted with thoughts Tom is now surrounded by parents James and Margaret, his brothers Jimmy, Walter and Bonso, his mother-in-law Catherine, his father-in-law James and many good friends and neighbours who have gone before him and are now welcoming him to their sides.
He will never be forgotten, may he rest in peace.
Funeral arrangements were by Aidan Walsh & Sons Funeral Directors, Cappoquin and Tallow.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Month’s Mind Mass will be offered for Thomas on Saturday, 26th March at 6.30pm in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Tallow, Co. Waterford.