Father of two who died when his car skidded into Cork river to be laid to rest

The body of a father of two who died after his car went into the river as he made his way home for work in heavy rain in Cork just days before Christmas was returned to Kerala in India over the weekend.

A funeral service will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, for Joice Thomas, who became a father for a second time four months ago when his wife Ruby gave birth to their son Jacques.

The couple, who moved to Ireland last year, also have a two-year-old daughter Jaqueline.

The 34-year-old had an accident on the R628 Conna Road between Conna and Aghern villages on the evening of December 19th last. The alarm was raised when he failed to return to his home in Ballynoe, Co Cork that night.

His body was recovered the followed day when a member of the public spotted his car submerged in the water.

The remains of Mr Thomas were repatriated from Dublin yesterday. His funeral service will be held tomorrow in his “hometown in India, in the presence of family members.” Further prayers and funeral rites will be conducted as per family arrangements.

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.

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.” 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 was raised for the family of the deceased and to pay for the repatriation of the body to his native Kambammettu in Kerala.

His Eminence Stephanos said that 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 reflecting now."

"But having said that the love being shown right at this moment 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.