THE FAMILY OF Tina Satchwell can finally hold a funeral service for their loved one six years after she was reported missing and a week on from when her remains were found buried under a stairwell at her home in Youghal, Co Cork.

 Her body has now been released to the Dingivan family. It is understood that her close knit family who hail from Fermoy, Co Cork will have a private ceremony for the 45 year old who was known for her love of pets and fashion. 

 Tina was the youngest of four girls in the Dingivan family. She also had three brothers. She was originally from St Bernard’s Place in Fermoy. 

Tina moved to the Leicester in the UK when she was a teenager to live with Teresa who had emigrated there.

Tina met her husband Richard in Leicester and the couple married in 1991. The pair subsequently moved to Fermoy and then to Grattan Street in Youghal in the last two years of Tina’s life.

Richard Satchwell (57) was charged with the murder of his wife last Saturday at a special sitting of Cashel District Court in Co Tipperary.

He was remanded in custody to appear before Clonmel District Court yesterday. He was subsequently remanded in custody and will be back in court in Clonmel on 7 November.

Tina Satchwell was reported missing on 24 March, 2017. The case was upgraded from a missing persons investigation to a murder probe last week. Gardai carried out of a property on Grattan Street and her remains were located last Wednesday night. 

Two vigils have been held in her memory in recent days. Over 500 people attended a gathering in Fermoy on Monday night. 

A statement was read out on behalf of the Dingivan family. The family said that they would “cherish the moments and all the great memories” they had of Tina. 

“There are no words to describe the pain in our hearts right now Tina.

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

“Tina would put a smile on anyone’s face – she had a very bubbly personality and was a very sociable person.

“She was always out and about with her babies (dogs) Ruby and Heidi. Tina loved her fashion. She was always dressed so well.

“We will cherish the moments and all the great memories we spent with you.

“Fly high our angel – you will be in our hearts forever. We love you Tina…you are at peace now. Until we meet again, give Nana a big hug,” she said. 

Members of the Dingivan family were in attendance at the vigil. Songs such as “I hope you Dance” and “Jealous of the Angels” were played at the vigil.

 A large portrait of Tina was on display on the bandstand and candles and cards were placed around it. Some of the candles were arranged to spell out her name. 

Organiser of the vigil Grainne O’Connor said locals wanted to show their support for the family of Tina. 

She told Cork’s RedFM that they wanted to turn out in force as an act of solidarity to the bereaved family. 

“I can’t comprehend how they (the family) have coped over the last number of years. (We wanted to say ‘We are here for you, we have your backs, for however long it takes to heal.’ We are happy to take this time to remember Tina and to support her family,” she said. 

A minute of silence was observed. The vigil ended with a reading of the poem “She is Gone” by David Harkin. It read: 

“You can shed a tear that she is gone or you can smile because she has lived.

“You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back.

“Or you can open open your eyes and see all that she has left.”

A vigil was also held in Youghal, Co Cork last Saturday. Around 200 people attended the gathering. 

 Locals say that she was a friendly, warm lady who was often seen out walking her dogs.

Canon Bill Bermingham offered prayers for Tina and her family. He also asked attendees at the vigil to “spare a thought” for householders in Grattan Street in the town. 

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