Tobin, John
January 28, 2011The death of John Tobin, 7 Power Villas, Piltown occurred on Christmas day as a patient in Waterford's Regional hospital. The late John was 80 years and he will be affectionately remembered from his days of The Corner shop in Piltown village, when he and his family managed the local grocery store.
The Corner Shop was more than Just a shop, it was a gathering place for villagers to share chat and dialogue, and the late John loved conversation with his friends neighbours and passing customers.
He loved to keep up with all the going's on in the world today, in sport, politics and even though he was 80 years he was broad minded and very young at heart and was always a jovial person. He had a special way in communicating with younger people and was very witty in his comments.
John appreciated all GAA sports and especially keeping in touch with the local and Kilkenny teams activities. He was in fact a goalie many years ago and hurled with Mooncoin, Piltown, Bennetsbridge and Dicksboro club's.
He also played minor hurling for Kilkenny in 1948, and played junior hurling for Kilkenny in 1949. When he worked in Freshford as a barman in the 50's he even referred a Northern Junior hurling final. On the local scene he also played soccer for Piltown with his brother the late Tommy Tobin.
John was associated with the Piltown snooker and billard's club for many years and was competitive up to a few years ago. He supported the local community in every way possible down the years. John was a man of many stories and yarns, but one should always remember that he and two of his friends were the first and only fire fighting service ever in Pilltown village.
Along with the late Jim Foyle, and the late Sonny Falconer they used to organise a local fire service that helped to control the fire until the proper fire service arrived. They used to call this local unpaid service the two F's and a T. (Foyle, Falconer and Tobin)
John was also a lover of all kinds of music and would enjoy listening to classical music at home and also enjoy a good sing song in his local Anthony's Inn. He was also a good singer and was always called on at family and social functions. His preferred song would have been the isle of Innisfree. A native of Tybroughney a very fertile part of the parish of Templeorum, he had a saying that he often used "Not everyone can live in Tybroughney". He was always proud of his roots and home and was the youngest of the Tobin family.
He was predeceased by his wife Mary (nee Grace), his daughter (Ger) Geraldine, his brothers Sam and Tommy Tobin, Tybroughney, his sisters, Peggy Bayliss, and Kathleen Reavey.
John loved his wife and family and was always proud of them, he leaves behind his daughter's Miriam Tobin, (Twin sister of the late Ger Tobin) Power Villas, Piltown, Catherine Cullinane, Piltown, son in law Tommy Cullinane, his sister Bridie Tobin, Tybroughney and Jo-Jo Gordon, Durham, Newcastle upon Tyne, as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The funeral was from Walsh's funeral home in Carrick on Suir to Piltown Church of the assumption, where a very large amount of mourners turned up to pay their last respects. A guard of honour was created by members of local sporting, agricultural and political groups.
The requiem mass was offered by bishop Martin Drennan, Galway (a native of Templeorum parish) with Rev. FR. Pat Comerford P.P Sileverue, Fr Michael Drennan, Dublin and Fr.John Condon C.C. Templeorum parish. During mass the readings and gifts were delivered by loved ones and close friends of the late John and his family.
At the end of mass as the coffin was being carried to its final resting place Ursla Kenny gave a magnificent rendering of his favourites song The isle of Innisfree. When the final prayers were recited at the graveside Michael Quirke gave a breathtaking version of the Rose of Mooncoin, as snowflakes gently fell on the graveside, as the late John was laid to rest.
Great tributes have been paid on the late John Tobin, he was a well accepted gentleman from his hurling days, his days managing the family shop and during his retirement.
We tender our heartfelt sympathy to his loved ones and friends on their sad loss.
Courtesy of the Kilkenny People 28/1/11 Tweet
