Family of Tina Satchwell pay tribute to their 'angel' at Youghal vigil

Olivia Kelleher

The late Tina Satchwell was an “angel” who will “always be in the hearts” of her family, a vigil in Youghal, Co Cork has heard.

Around 200 people attended a gathering in memory of the 45 year old this afternoon in the picturesque seaside town where Tina lived the final years of her life.

Ms Satchwell, nee Dingivan, was a native of Fermoy, Co Cork. She moved to a house in Grattan Street in Youghal two years before her death.

Locals say that she was a friendly, warm lady who was often seen out walking her dogs and was known for her love of pets.

Parish priest Canon Bill Bermingham read out a message at the vigil on behalf of the Dingivan family. Tina was the youngest of five girls in the tight-knit family. She also had three brothers.

In a statement, the Dingivan family said that it was hard to find the right words “to describe the pain” in their hearts at the loss of their loved one.

“Tina if we knew the last time we met was going to be our last we would have hugged you extra tight.

“She (Tina) would put a smile on everyone’s face. She loved positivity. Everyone that loved and knew her cherished the moments they spent with you. Fly high our angel. You will always be in our hearts.”

Canon Bermingham prayed for the family of Ms Satchwell. He also asked attendees at the vigil to “spare a thought” for householders in Grattan Street in the town.

“It is a very distressing time for them to have known that such an occurrence could have happened in their midst,” he said.

Candles were lit in memory of Tina, whose remains were found in a house in Grattan Street earlier this week, over six years after she was reported missing from her home.

Members of the public previously placed flowers outside the house where the remains of Tina were found on Wednesday night by gardai who were carrying out a search of the premises. A second vigil is due to be held in Fermoy on Monday night.

Meanwhile, a man in his fifties appeared at a special sitting of the District Court in Cashel, Co Tipperary on Saturday morning charged with her murder.

Richard Satchwell (57) will appear in court again by video link on October 17th next.  His next hearing will be in Clonmel.