Family of man who died in river accident thank local community for support

Olivia Kelleher

The family of a man who died after his car went into the river as he made his way home from work in heavy rain have expressed their “deepest gratitude” to the people of Conna and Balynoe in Co Cork for their kindness following the tragedy.

Joice Thomas had an accident on the R628 Conna Road between Conna and Aghern villages on the evening of December 19th last.

The 34-year-old had become a father for the second time just four months ago when his wife Ruby Kuriakose gave birth to their son Jacques.

The couple, who are originally from Kerala in India, also have a two-year-old daughter, Jacqueline.

They were living on Main Street in Ballynoe, Co Cork. Joice worked in the kitchen at Ballincurrig nursing home in Leamlara, Co Cork. Ms Kuriakose is a nurse.

In a post on the Ballynoe Community Facebook page the loved ones of Mr Thomas said that they were drawing strength from the “unwavering support” of the community during this time of “unimaginable loss.”

“When tragedy struck, you surrounded us with love, care, and comfort — just as a family would.

We are deeply thankful to Father (William) Winter, whose presence and prayers gave immense courage to Ruby and their baby, and to every member of the Conna and Ballynoe communities who came forward selflessly to help in every possible way.

Your warm hearts and constant concern eased our sorrow and reminded us that humanity knows no boundaries.

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for standing beside us, for your prayers, your time, and your love. Your kindness will forever be remembered by Joice’s family and all of us in the Indian community.”

Meanwhile, prayers were said for Mr Thomas at Ronayne’s Funeral Home in Fermoy, Co Cork on Christmas Eve.

His Grace Bishop Abraham Mar Stephanos, Diocesan Metropolitan in the Indian Orthodox Church, told mourners that people of “diverse identities” had joined forces following the tragedy.

“We see here how human compassion works together. This is one of the greatest example that love prevails in the world. Goodness sustains in the world.

"Exemplary leadership, compassion and love has been shown.”

Over €103,000 has been raised for the family of the deceased and to pay for the repatriation of the body to his native Kambammettu in Kerala in India.

His Eminence Stephanos said that the outpouring of love from various faiths and communities was a source of comfort to all those who mourned.

“The sadness of the family of Joice Thomas cannot be compensated by the money or anything that we reflect on now. But having said that the love being shown right at this moment and in the past two days is phenomenal. It gives us hope that the power of love sustains. This is something that Christ told us.”

A mass of solidarity was also held at Ballynoe parish Church on Christmas Eve.

Mr Thomas is survived by his wife Ruby and their children, his parents and a sister.

Donations can be made to the Go Fund Me page at https://gofund.me/18a0b472b