Fergal Tobin

my belated sympathy to all the Tobin family, I know it is very late but only by accident I found the death notice on the web. we worked together on various publications picked him up from train and airport when he was visiting the Crean daughters, please accept my deepest sympathy

My most sincere sympathy to you Catherine and your children. I was shocked to read of Fergal's death. He was a wonderful man who shared his wisdom and expertise so generously with so many people. After any meeting with him I always left full of energy knowing that his advice was so important. I am grateful our paths crossed. Rest in Peace Fergal.

Sincere and heartfelt sympathies to the Tobin family. Fergal 'gave me my start' many years ago and I've never forgotten his encouragement, generosity and humour. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

I only heard last night (Sunday) that Fergal had died -- too late for his funeral in Clontarf -- and responded to this sad news by sending out a "tweet" noting that as editorial director of Gill & Macmillan, he had the guts to publish my first book in 1985 and remained proud of that till the end. I will always remember his courage, erudition and incomparable wit.

We kept in touch over the years, usually by having convivial lunches in his favourite French restaurants, La Maison and La Cave, or full-table gatherings -- such as for his 70th birthday in 2019 -- at the home of Brenda O'Hanlon in Dundrum. He valued friendship enormously and I was honoured to have been counted among his many good friends.

My deepest sympathy to Fergal's wife Catherine, his daughters Louisa and Isabel, sons Richard and Cillian, and his entire extended family.

Very sorry to hear the news of Fergal's passing. His lectures at NUI Galway in the MA in Literature and Publishing were foundational to my understanding of how the publishing industry worked. May he rest in peace.

Sincere condolances on the loss of Fergal. He was always such good company, and very generous with his time, knowledge and experience: both on the national and international book world. A friendly rival, but with friendly always to the fore. He will be sorely missed.

My deepest sympathies to Fergal's wife and family. Fergal had a massive impact on my life, steering me on a course which I pursue to this day - the cause of missing persons and their families. I remember fondly our lunches around Dublin in the early 2000s discussing ideas. Fergal was a most funny, engaging, encouraging and supportive editor. He has left a lasting and positive impact in many fields. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.

Saddened to hear of Fergal’s passing.. Always cheerful and good humoured. He will be sadly missed around Clontarf Cricket Club. Deepest condolences to Catherine and family.

Catherine, Louisa, Isobel, Richard & Cillian,
We were so sorry to hear of Fergal’s death and send our deepest sympathies and condolences.
We are thinking of you all during this difficult time.

The last time I saw Fergal was at our summer picnic in Blackrock. Though unable to enjoy food at all, he was as ever excellent company, always interested in others and interesting to talk with. A great conversationalist I shall miss and remember fondly. "if you only speak one language, speak it well." - Richard said at the most beautiful service at St. John's I was able to see. Indeed Fergal did adding immeasurably to the lively conversations in our current affairs group. Sending love across the globe to Catherine and all of your family.

Sincere condolences Catherine and family on the sad passing of Fergal.Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad and difficult time

Sincere condolences to Catherine and family on the loss of Fergal.

My sincere condolences to Fergal's family. He took a risk on a book of mine more than 30 years ago and it ended up "a fine piece of publishing", as he said himself. Larger than life and, I'm sure, larger than death.

Dear Catherine, Louisa, Isobel, Richard and Killian. With Deepest sympathy to you all at this very difficult time. Sending our love, thoughts and prayers to you all,

It was with great shock I heard of Fergal's death - my sincere sympathy to the Tobin family.

Dear Catherine my sincere Condolences to you and your Family , at the very sad loss of your Beloved Fergal . He was a Man I always enjoyed talking to about many things over all the years I have known him . Although I had not seen him in recent times , I will always remember his sense of humour and his breath of knowledge of so many things . May he Rest In Peace

Catherine I am sorry we met again after such a long time in such sad circumstances.You always made me welcome in your home. I'm sure I took Fergal off for a drink, or maybe he took me for one, for far too long on occasion.

I am sorry we didn't do more books together and my apologies for all the libel writs, which Fergal seemed to take in his stride. Sean Flynn (now sadly gone) and myself always thought he was the best editor - and subeditor - we ever worked with.

My Condlences as well to Louisa, Isobel, Richard and Cillian, who were probably too young at the time to remember me.

Our sincere sympathy to Catherine and family on the death of Fergal. A larger than life, entertaining, friendly man who possessed a way with words that was both funny and thought provoking. May he rest in peace.

My condolences to Fergal's family. He was a lovely man and a pleasure to work with in the publishing world.

I was very sorry to hear of Fergal's passing. I worked closely with him on the board of Cle (Publishing Ireland) for many years. He was a talented and successful publisher with Gill & Macmillan, and very supportive of me when opening the Penguin Ireland office in Dublin, when he didn't need to be. He was also a successful writer and it was lovely to see his last book, The Irish Difference, be so well received on publication last year. His work in Brussels with the Federation of European Publishers, particularly as President, really did make a difference for all publishers, both in Ireland and on the Continent. A life well-lived. My condolences to his family at this sad time.

Catherine, Louisa, Isobel Richard and Cillian I will be thinking of you all at this sad time. Fergal was a lovely man and will be greatly missed.

I was saddened to hear of Fergals passing. He was the captain of the 3rds and the life and soul of the team. His passion for the game of cricket and love of company was always apparent, he was consantly in VFs (my dads) ear, and dad looked forward to seeing him every week. They were life long friends and Fergal will be regailing VF with great stories tonight.

Thinking of you Catherine at this sad time. May the very many good memories you have of Fergal be of comfort to you in the future.
I will remember you during these days.

Dear Catherine , Louisa,, Isobel , Richie and Cillian , our deepest sympathy to hear the sad news of Fergal’s passing , it is a deep loss for you all . Fergal was a funny and entertaining man . Thinking of you all at this difficult time . May he rest in peace.

Dear Catherine and family, I am so sorry to hear of Fergal's passing. I enjoyed working with him and he was always good company in and out of work. He'll be having some conversations upstairs! May he rest in peace now.

To Catherine, Louisa, Isobel, Richard and Cillian. We were all very sorry to hear of the passing of Fergal. He will be greatly missed. He had a very rich life full of creativity, conversation and travel and without doubt his beloved family. 'Suaimhneas Síoraí Air'

My condolences to you all. I loved working with Fergal on the few occasions I had to do so over the years. He was always supportive, and interested in the national and international issues affecting Irish publishing. I learned a lot from him.

There was nothing quite like lunch with Fergal - whether it was the googly that undid him or a try disallowed in the corner, Fergal had a riposte; trains through Germany, opera in Italy, the food in France and the wines of Spain. Fergal was fantastic company and I know will be missed by very many friends. My great sympathy to Catherine and the family. RIP Fergal. One of a kind.

Remembering many happy days on the cricket field in Fergal's company A true gent.

My most sincere condolences to the Tobin family. Playing cricket with Fergal and more recently occasional meetings at Castle Ave was always enjoyable and educational. I always felt I left his company somewhat the wiser. RIP 🏏

I am very sorry to hear of Fergal’s passing. Sincere condolences to all the family. May he rest in peace.

To Richie and the whole Tobin family we send our love and condolences on the passing of Fergal. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Go bhfaigheadh ​​sé síocháin, ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Deepest sympathy to my cousin Catherine on the passing of Fergal, her husband. Also thinking of Louisa, Isobel, Richard and Cillian, and extended family. A lovely man, and a pleasure and inspiration to engage with. He will be sadly missed. Rest in peace Fergal.

So sad to learn of Fergal’s death. He was great company. Condolences to his family on my own behalf and on behalf of the Parnell Summer School which he attended for many years.

Sincere condolences to Catherine, Louisa, Isobel, Richard and Cillian and extended families. A great character, taken too soon. May you find comfort in your wonderful memories. Rest in peace.
Aileen, Cian, Morgan & Bill. Kenmare

Sincere sympathies to Catherine Louisa, Isobel, Richard and Cillian and family...a great man whose company I enjoyed immensely and will miss.. its simply not cricket as he would say himself...hope and pray you all cope with his great loss JLo

Richie, Catherine and the extended Tobin family, sending you peace, comfort, strength and my deepest condolences in this difficult time.

May the lifetime of memories you have with Fergal be a blessing and a comfort in the times ahead.

I only met Fergal a handful of times but his dry wit, immense intelligence and love of family shone through radiantly.

So very sad to learn of Fergal's death. He was an erudite, entertaining, hugely sociable friend and a gifted author as well as publisher. In recent years he was a leading light of our current affairs club and will be hugely missed. I know how proud he was of his children, how grateful to Catherine for her care, and my deepest sympathy to you all.

Our deepest sympathies to Richie and all the extended Tobin family on Fergal’s passing. Thinking of you all at this difficult time - may your great care of him give you comfort and strength for the time ahead. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Sinead, Darran and Aedamar.

My deepest sympathy to the Tobin family on Fergal's passing.A great friend,fantastic company,and so very wise.He will be missed enormously.

Although I did not know Fergal my cousin Geraldine Pigott spoke of him often and with great affection
Our deepest sympathies to you all at this very sad time
The Jones Family

My sincere condolences to Fergal's family in their sad loss of such a memorable family man. His pride in each of his children was evident throughout the time I knew him - some twenty years. May his many friends always rejoice, as he would have wanted, in sharing their anecdotes about him, remembering his wit, his fluency, his pleasure in life - all of which are readily found in his writing. His love and fascination with history, and his enjoyment and skill in writing about it never left him, with his most recent book published only last year to great acclaim. I am among the many who are grateful that his ability to write so well means that his particular take on life can always be found in the pages of his books, to be appreciated down the generations. He will live on there, and in the memory of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

I am very sorry to hear of Fergal’s passing. Sincere condolences to Catherine and all the family.

Dear Catherine, Louisa, Isobel ,Richard and Cillian so sorry to hear of Fergal’s passing. He possessed a great sense of joie de vivre and was a great raconteur. Definitely taken too young . May he rest in peace .
Brenda.

Sincere condolences to the Tobin family. Fergal and I worked together in the Royal Bank Grafton Street in the late 60’s. A lovely guy and we shared many a pint in Sheehans of Chatham Street after a hard day’s cashiering.