'Beautiful smile' Laois community and golf club mourns death of Aoife Tobin

A beautiful young woman has died in Laois after a "courageous battle" with illness, to the devastation of her family and community.

Aoife Tobin of Ballycarnan, formerly of Bray in Wicklow, passed away peacefully at her home, on Wednesday, May 24.

It followed a brave battle, with over €16,000 raised for treatment after her diagnosis of lung cancer last year at the age of 28. 

She was the beloved daughter of John and the late Pauline, and a cherished sister to five siblings, and the beloved partner of Matt Thornton.

Aoife had worked in Abbeyleix Golf Club as bar manager, where her partner Matt is the Vice Captain and her father John a club member. 

The club announced the death and offered sympathies.

"It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Aoife Tobin, May she R.I.P

"On behalf of everyone at Abbeyleix Golf Club we extend our condolences to our Vice Captain Matt, Aoife’s Dad John (member) and all extended families and friends. Aoife’s beautiful smile and her friendliness to everybody will be sorely missed by all here in the Club. Rest gently Aoife."

Countless more tributes and sympathies have been extended by the community far and wide.

"So sad to lose a beautiful lady, who lit up the bar in her time there. Matt our hearts go out to you,sleep peacefully Aoife," one member of the club said.

"Deepest condolences to you, Matt and to the Tobin family. Aoife was a ray of sunshine in the Golf Club. She had time for everyone. May Aoife Rest in Peace," a local couple wrote.

"Rest easy old friend, you'll always be remembered for how brave, strong and positive you were! Thinking of all your family and friends at this time," one of her friends wrote.

Aoife's aunt Wendy, owner of a glamping company, had held an online fundraiser that raised over €16,800 for treatments.

She had noted that prior to her diagnosis in July 2022, Aoife was “like any other 28-year-old”, with a job she loved and plans for the future, always “full of life and rearing to go”.

Aoife Tobin's death notice announced that she "passed away peacefully at home, after a courageous battle, on Wednesday 24th May 2023, to the inexpressible grief of her partner Matt and her loving family. Beloved daughter of John and the late Pauline."

"She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her loving partner Matt, by John and Laura, cherished sisters Ashley, Emma, Shaunee and Laura, brother Seán, brothers-in-law Ciarán, Cameron and Chris, sister-in-law Elana, nephew Callum, niece Hollie, by Orla and Monica Thornton and her extended family and friends.

"We will celebrate Aoife’s life on Saturday, 27th May, at 10.30am in Colliers Funeral Home, Old Connaught Avenue, Bray with burial afterwards in Shanganagh Cemetery. No flowers please. Donations, if desired, to Laois Hospice or Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin".

Death Notices for Laois - Thursday, May 25, 2023

A poem on her death notice pays tribute to her strength.

They whispered to her

You cannot withstand the storm

I am the storm

She whispered back

For those who are unable to attend, the service may also be viewed on the following LINK.