The funeral of Thomasina and Patrick Tobin, the Irish-connected couple who died while on holiday in Spain, has heard that their sudden deaths left an “immeasurable void” for their family and friends. Their joint funeral Mass took place in Ballintra, Co Monaghan, on Friday, several weeks after their bodies were discovered at a rented villa near Valencia.
What happened to the couple in Spain?
Thomasina Tobin, 51, originally from Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, and Patrick Tobin, 48, who was from New Zealand, were found dead in a hot tub at a rented property in Cullera, near Valencia, last month.
The couple had been living in London and were on holiday with their teenage children. Their children discovered the bodies and raised the alarm. Spanish investigators believe the deaths were probably accidental, although the circumstances have been examined by the relevant authorities.
The tragedy has prompted widespread sympathy in Monaghan, among the couple’s friends in London and across the families’ wider communities in Ireland and New Zealand.
- Thomasina and Patrick Tobin died at a rented villa in Cullera, near Valencia.
- Their teenage children found them and alerted emergency services.
- Investigators believe the deaths were probably accidental.
- A joint funeral Mass was held at Our Lady of Knock Church, Ballintra.
- The couple are survived by their children and extended families.
Funeral Mass held in Ballintra
Family, friends and members of the local community gathered at Our Lady of Knock Church for the funeral Mass. A cremation service took place afterwards.
Rev Canon Patrick McGinn described the couple as much-loved parents whose lives were centred on family, friendship and generosity. He acknowledged the difficulty faced by mourners, saying there were no simple words to explain the shock and grief surrounding their deaths.
His address focused on the couple’s personalities and the place they held in the lives of those around them. He said they welcomed people into their home and approached their work and responsibilities with care and precision.
Tributes to Thomasina Tobin
Thomasina, née McArdle, worked as a quantity surveyor and was a senior executive with a construction-sector project management consultancy. She was remembered as determined and resilient, while also being compassionate and kind.
Family members and the priest spoke of her strong character and her commitment to completing difficult tasks. Her professional career reflected the same attention to detail and persistence that friends and relatives recognised in her personal life.
Tributes to Patrick Tobin
Patrick worked in the technology sector and was remembered as energetic, adventurous and full of enthusiasm. His interests included a wide range of sports, from rugby, hockey and cricket to football, skiing, snowboarding and surfing.
The funeral heard that his lively personality kept those around him engaged and that he brought energy and curiosity to family life. Both parents were described as deeply devoted to their children, who were said to be the most important part of their lives.
Thomasina’s brother John thanked those who had supported the family during the weeks after the deaths. He paid particular tribute to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust for helping relatives manage the practical and emotional challenges involved in bringing the couple home.
Family and community remember a shared life
The service included photographs of Thomasina and Patrick with relatives and friends. Other offertory gifts included a New Zealand greenstone known as pounamu, a hard hat and cards, reflecting the couple’s family connections, careers and shared memories.
The couple are survived by their children, Rhea and Séamus, their parents, siblings and wider family. Their funeral brought together people connected to different stages of their lives, including relatives in Ireland and New Zealand and friends from their years in London.
Their deaths have also highlighted the support available to Irish families dealing with a death overseas. Organisations such as the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust assist families with repatriation and related arrangements, particularly when a sudden death occurs abroad.
What happens next?
The funeral arrangements in Ireland have now taken place. The Spanish investigation into the deaths was described in reports as indicating that the incident was probably accidental. No further details about the circumstances were provided at the funeral service.
For the family, the immediate focus will remain on grieving and supporting the couple’s children. The service in Ballintra allowed relatives and friends to remember Thomasina and Patrick not only through the tragedy of their deaths, but through their work, friendships, family life and generosity.
Frequently asked questions
Who were Thomasina and Patrick Tobin?
Thomasina Tobin was a quantity surveyor from Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, and Patrick Tobin was a New Zealand-born technology professional. The couple lived in London.
Where did they die?
They died at a rented villa in Cullera, near Valencia, while on holiday in Spain.
How were they found?
Their teenage children found their bodies in a hot tub and raised the alarm.
Where was the funeral held?
The joint funeral Mass took place at Our Lady of Knock Church in Ballintra, Co Monaghan, followed by cremation.
A family left facing an immeasurable loss
The funeral Mass for Thomasina and Patrick Tobin offered a moment of farewell after a sudden and devastating holiday tragedy. Their family and friends remembered two hardworking, generous and adventurous people whose children were at the centre of their lives.
For readers following this Breaking News Ireland story, the central message from the service was clear: beyond the circumstances of their deaths, Thomasina and Patrick will be remembered for the love, friendship and care they shared with those around them.
