Prof. Sean Tobin

Ciaran, my condolences on the passing of your Dad.

My sincere sympathy to Siobhan, Brendan, Adrian, Ciaran, Michael and the extended family on Professor Tobin's passing. I only knew of this sad news recently from online news. I have been particularly blessed to stay with Professor Tobin's family for three years when I was a postgraduate student at UCG during the late 1970s. Both Professor and Mrs. Tobin were so kind and treated me as a member of their family while living in their house at Upper Newcastle. As an oversea student who just arrived to Galway and could not find accommodation at that time, their warm welcome to letting me stay in their house made me feel home. I still remember at the weekends, Professor and Mrs. Tobin usually invited me to join the family for a meal and later to watch television in the sitting room. I enjoyed those fun time very much - thanks to the Tobin family! Although I left Galway for many years, I have been in contact with them every Christmas. Professor Tobin and late Mrs. Tobin will be sorely missed.

Sincerest Condolences to Brendan, & the extended Tobin Family.
I only learned recently of Sean’s death, & Lois death(which was a few years ago) from my brother Neil, just recently.
Sean & Lois were particularly Kind to Me in 2003 when I had lost my dear Mum..
Thank You again for your kindness, flowers, hospitality bringing me to your home In Newcastle, at that particular time.
Cherished Memories.
I think I met one of your younger brothers, Michael..heading to Eminem Concert!!! ?
Codladh Samh Anocth Sean & Lois
Sincerely
Maria McOwan (née Howard)

Sincere condolences and sympathies on the passing of Sean. Often mentioned fondly in conversation by late James (Jimmy) Callagy. May he rest in peace.

I have known of this sad event only a few weeks ago. I pray to God for Mr. Tobin's soul who may rest in peace everlasting and for his family, specially Brendan.

God bless you, Mr. Tobin

My Deepest Sympathies to the Tobin Family on the sad passing of Sean. I met Sean through the Galway Astronomy Club of which he was a member for many years. Sean along with the late Professor Dick Butler would come along to the club meetings and went on several of the club daytrips that I had organised to the likes of Dunsink Observatory and Newgrange.

Sean had such a warm personality and was well known amongst members of the club. He was always happy but equally a deep thinker who could ask some very interesting scientific questions to the many speakers giving talks to the club over the year's.

God Rest and God Speed to Sean.

Ronan Newman

Sincere sympathy to Brendan and all the Tobin family on the passing of Sean RIP.

Dear Des and Liam, Sean's children and the Tobin family, we are truly sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved brother and father. May his gentle soul rest in peace 🙏

Seán was one one the most lovable and wisest people I ever met. I had hoped to meet with him just one more time, but sadly that is not to be. He did me the honour of attending a few talks I gave down in Galway, and once afterwards I had a memorable dinner with him and Ted Hurley. My last contact with him: I was visiting Halifax in Nova Scotia, turned a corner one day and found myself on 'Tobin Street'; I just had to take a photo of the name plate and send it to him. My condolences to his family.

Is oth linn a chloisteáil go bhfuil Seán ar lár, déanaimíd comhbhrón lena chlann agus lena ghaolta uilig.
Fear cuirtéiseach, ionraic. Intinn bheo, acmhainn grinn agus líofacht ealaíonta - ag cruinnithe agus ar choistï san Ollscoil anuas tríd na blianta. Breithiúnas meáite, neamhspleách aige i gcónaí: ní beag an chomaoin a chuir sé ar chomhluadar na hOllscoile fré chéile, agus ar chomhluadar na matamaitice sa bhaile agus i gcéin.
Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam: go raibh Lois ag fanacht air i bPárthas na nGrást.

Sean was a good and very friendly colleague. We have fond memories of Sean and Lois at University functions to which they always brought some fun.
May their loving souls be reunited in peace.
Please accept our deepest sympathy.

Our deepest sympathy to Brendan and all the Tobin family on the passing of their dad, Seán. RIP.

Deepest sympathies to dearest Siobhan and all the Tobin family on the loss of your dear dad Sean. What a lovely man he was. We so enjoyed seeing him at Siobhan’s house in London and will remember him fondly for his ready sense of humour, lively and enquiring mind and generous spirit.

I spent most of my early working life (1970s/1980s) in mathematics, initially as a postgraduate student and then as a member of academic staff, before moving on to a post in engineering. There are many anecdotes concerning him I could share. Ultimately though, I came to see Sean Tobin as a widely respected and measured, yet persuasive contributor to decisions that made our university what it was. Whatever about his prowess and standing in Group Theory, and whether by accident or foresight on his part – the latter I suspect – the ‘group’ of colleagues assembled in the department of mathematics that I joined as a junior lecturer in 1977, made working there a thoroughly enjoyable and productive experience. Beyond all this though and in common with many other contributors who have shared their memories here, what stands out for me is the image of Sean and Lois on the prom in Salthill, particularly through their later years. And, of course, his ready smile and positivity through these years.
My sincere condolences to his immediate and wider family.

We have fond memories of having the pleasure of Sean’s company in recent times, with his beloved daughter Siobhan. He regaled us with stories and memories, punctuated with gentle humour and wit. Reunited with Lois. His work is done. RIP xx

Deepest sympathies to Siobhán, Michael, Brendan, Adrian and Kieron on the passing of your father. Seán was such a gentleman & I so enjoyed my weekly visit with himself and his dear wife Lois. We had some lovely memorable chats over a cuppa. They are now reunited and may his gentle soul rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to Siobhan, Brendan, Adrian, Kieron and Michael and the wider Tobin family. We will remember Sean as marvellous company, a generous spirit, and a charming story-teller, always with a twinkle in his eye. R.I.P

My very deepest sympathies to all of the Tobin family on the passing of Seán. May his gentle soul rest in peace as he is reunited with Lois.

Condolences to Michael, Kieran and the Tobin family on the sad passing of your beloved Dad, Sean; may he rest in peace. I have fond memories of his kindness, hospitality and piano playing at birthday parties in your house many moons ago.

Deepest Sympathy to all the Tobin family on the very sad passing of your Dad Sean. He was a wonderful conversational person and great Galwegian and loved to advise when an elections were coming . May Sean gentle soul Rest in Peace

Condolences to Sean’s family, his extended family and his wide circle of friends and colleagues.
Sean was the eldest of us siblings and we grew up together in Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary and as us younger ones stretched up into the uncharted stages of development, he was our reference source, our encyclopedia, he’d been there, done that, he’ll know. “What’s that? I dunno. Ask Sean. What does that mean? I dunno. Ask Sean!”
In many ways Sean was the family fulcrum, and family stuff seemed to see-saw around him, the young Solomon, the wise head on the young shoulders. As adult siblings we recognized that Sean had many special gifts and was a person of quality. He had poise and grace, but never a swagger. He had self-assurance and a sense of earned self-worth but never arrogance. He could become annoyed but didn’t hold grudges. He became a renowned mathematician and a polished pianist but remained humble. He was Irish to the core. He could have lived anywhere in the world but chose Ireland. He could have been a Professor in any university in the world but he chose Galway. He was proud of his inheritance, of his country and always showed loyalty down through the years. Loyalty was a major characteristic, loyal to his Parents, to his beloved Lois, his children and their welfare, to his calling, his students, his University, his Catholic Faith, the Gaelic language, to friends and colleagues. But he wasn’t canonization-material! Not by any means. He had his warts but he will nevertheless be remembered for his high-grade quality characteristics.
Its common knowledge that Sean went on to become a celebrity as a mathematician and I leave the plaudits due there to those better informed.
And to his family to express their love and gratitude.
I am mindful that in John 14.2 we are told that “in my Father’s house there are many mansions” and, no doubt, also somewhere there are libraries and research rooms and that Sean has already, with added illumination and inspiration, checked for affirmations on certain theorems and seeking confirmation that, yes, square circles are provable, mathematically! HaHa!
Farewell Sean. Thanks for being the big brother of whom I could be so proud.
Desmond
Umhlanga Rocks, KZN. South Africa

My sincere sympathy to the Tobin family on Professor Seán’s death. He was a gentleman to the core. I always enjoyed bumping into him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

My deepest condolences to Siobhan, Brendan, Adrian, Ciaran, Michael and the extended family. I have very fond memories of Sean and I appreciated his kind and welcoming hospitality

My condolences to the Tobin family. May your grief be manageable.

My sympathy to the Tobin family ,may Sean rest in peace.it was a privilege to have known Sean and Lois

My condolences to the Tobin family on Sean’s passing.

To Ciaran & extended Tobin family. Sincere condolences on the passing of your dad. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Sincere sympathies to the Tobin family on the death of Sean. I first met him on an interview board in 1965 when I was an applicant for a post as Inspector of Mathematics in Secondary Schools, and when I later joined the academic staff of the former UCG Sean and Lois were the first to invite Céline and myself to his welcoming home. Go ndéanaigh Dia trócaire ar a anam uasal.

Sincere sympathy to Siobhan, Brendan, Adrian, Ciaran, Michael and the extended Tobin family on the sad passing of your dad Sean. He was a gentleman and it was always a pleasure to meet him over the years with his lovely late wife Lois.
Sean may your gentle soul rest in eternal peace.

Sincere sympathy to the Tobin Family on the passing of your dear dad Sean.While I did not know your Dad I held your Mum Lois in high esteem.I shall never forget her kindness and empathy to me and to us, her Home Economics pupils as we boarded in Calasanctius College Oranmore. She was kindness itself and I am grateful for that.May Sean and Lois rest in eternal peace.Go mbeannai Dia trocaire orthu.
Rosabelle O'Donnell and Joe Burke Oranmore

I want to offer my sympathy to the Tobin family on the loss of your dear dad Sean . I met both your parents way back in the 90's at the Autumn Gathering at Coole Park continuing that friendship. My memories are of visiting their home in Newcastle having tea and enjoying pleasant chats about life. Sean was indeed an honourable respectful and courteous gentleman . I wish him eternal rest along with your dear mum Lois . "Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam"

Sincere sympathy to the Tobin family on the death of Seán. I enjoyed meeting Seán and Lois each year at the Autumn Gathering in Coole Park.
May he rest in peace.

As a young mathematician returning to Ireland in 1990, I knew few outside UCD. I recall attending IMS and DIAS meetings and meeting Sean. Although our interests diverged, he took a great interest in me; and with his good humour and insightful comments was a great mentor in my early academic life. While I was fully aware he was a very senior figure in Irish mathematics, he treated me as an equal. His intellect, warmth and good humour will be sorely missed by anyone who was lucky to have known him. Sincere condolences to his family; he had a long life and one to be very proud of.

My heartfelt condolences to all the Tobin family on the sad passing of Prof Sean Tobin, a loving father, a great scholar and such a gentleman. A great conversationalist with such interest in people. He is joining his beloved Lois, both together at peace.

Deepest sympathy to Liam and Desmond and to Sean's family and extended family. Remember Sean on his visit's to Carrick On Suir to his parents, who were so kind to me when I came to live here. May Sean rest in peace

My Deepest Sympathies to the Tobin Family on the sad passing of Sean. He was a great friend of mine since we lived nearby in the 60's and we soldiered together on many causes. I always enjoyed his company and benefited greatly from his sage advice and wonderful intellect. May his kind and gentle soul rest in peace.

My sympathies to the family.

My sincere condolences to all the Tobin family; I only met Sean twice in the last couple of years of his life on his trips to London to visit his beloved Siobhan, Simon and their family but I saw enough of him to see that he was a remarkable man, with a keen interest in life, an enduring love of his family and a lasting twinkle in his eye.

Sean was one of the most charming and friendly people I ever met. Chatting with him was one of the great pleasures of attending the Lady Gregory Autumn Gathering , to which he and Lois contributed so much.

So sad to learn of Sean's death but he is now at peace after a life wonderfully lived and with great care for so many and even greater love for his family. Cherished memories of his and Lois's visits to the Roscrea conference at the Cistercian Abbey over many years. May his noble, gracious and caring spirit rest in peace.

it is with heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the Tobin family upon the passing of their beloved Dad, Sean. Sean was more than a mentor; he was a guiding light for all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace.

May you rest in Peace amongst the righteous.

Condolences to the Tobin family on Seán's recent death. Learned and erudite, a warm and generous colleague, ní bhéidh a leitheid ann arís.

Sincere condolences to the family of Professor Sean Tobin on his passing. He was a fine colleague with a passionate interest in mathematics and a loyal commitment to the future of the University. He was a man of great flair and urbanity. May he rest in peace. James Houghton.

Deepest sympathy to Michael and family,all the extended Tobin family on the sad passing of Sean,May his gentle soul rest in peace

Sincere sympathies on the passing of yere father sean.may he rest in peace.🙏.

R I P a Sheain .

Deepest sympathy to the family of Professor Sean Tobin. Thinking also of Lois with happy memories of the Autumn Gathering at Coole. Suaimhneas síoraí dóibh, le chéile arís.

Sincerest condolences on the passing of Sean.
May he rest in peace.

I would like to send all the Tobin family my deepest sympathy on the sad passing of your father Sean. He was a great friend to my parents Eoin and Kathleen MacWhite and our family. He will be missed by all of us. May he rest in peace.

My deepest condolences to the Tobin family, on the death of there Father Sean

My condolences to Siobhan, Brendan, Adrian, Ciaran and Michael on the passing of Seán. He was a true gentleman and a great friend. He had a great love for politics and was one of the founding members of the Progressive Democrats. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time and may his gentle soul rest in peace.

Condolences to Mike and family on the passing of your father.

I am very sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Deepest sympathies to Siobhán, Brendán, Adrian, Ciarán Michael and their families. I remember him best in his later years always arm in arm with Lois, with a ready welcome and great wit served with many cups of tea.
May they both rest together in eternal peace.

Our sincere condolences to Siobhan and family. We enjoyed his company, and Lois’s over many years when they visited London. Sean was a fine raconteur, a gentle soul, engaged with the world and with others. He will be missed. May his memory be for a blessing.

Sincere sympathy to all the extended Tobin family on the sad passing of Prof. Seán. He was my lecturer in maths in "UCG" and he was always had our best interests at heart. I got to know Seán on a personal level through my work with Lois in Galway Family History Society West. Both Seán and Lois always spoke so highly of their children, their partners and grand children. I have great memories of fantastic chats with Seán and Lois and lovely visits to their home in Upper Newcastle. Thinking of you all at this very sad and difficult time. May Seán rest in peace

Deepest sympathy to the Tobin family on Sean’s passing. He was my late brothers lecturer in NUIG and he often spoke of him fondly. May he rest in peace.

Dearest Sean, it was wonderful to know you, spend time with you and laugh with you.
You will be dearly missed!
With much love Victor & Esther

Our sincere sympathies to the extended Tobin family on the sad loss of Professor Sean Tobin. Sean will be greatly missed by his former colleagues and students of the University to which he contributed so much over so many years. Suaimhneas síoraí ar a anam uasal.

I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Seán Tobin. I learned a lot of mathematics from him; I remember in particular how, as Master's students, we would be given the task of explaining the proof of a theorem, and he would interrogate every unclear step in our proof. It was a wonderful training for a would-be mathematics lecturer.

My sincere condolences to all of the Tobin family on your loss.