Man charged with murder of Birr native in Blackpool

The funeral took place last week of a Birr man who was tragically found stabbed to death in his home in England two days before Christmas. Tommy McLoughlin, 59, who also had strong Cloghan links, and his partner Helen Cox, 49, were both found dead in their home in Blackpool by police on December 23 last. A post mortem found that both had died from multiple stab wounds. Ms Cox"s ex-husband has been charged with the double murder. Tommy"s funeral took place last Friday January 23, and many family members from Offaly travelled to Blackpool to pay tribute to the man, along with his friends and neighbours. Mr McLoughlin"s daughters, Shelly Byrne and Debbie McLoughlin, in a statement paid tribute to their father and thanked everyone for their support. 'We cannot describe the shock and sense of loss we feel at the death of our dad. The whole family has been left devastated. He has lived in England for 36 years but he loved going home to Ireland to visit friends and family and would come home regularly. He was an extremely caring man who cared for his partner who was terminally ill for two years. We would like to thank family and friends and the police for all the support they have given to the family at this difficult time.' Ms Cox"s ex-husband, Graham Cox, with an address in central Blackpool but who is also originally from Ireland, was charged with two counts of murder when he appeared in court on January 8. He will stand trial later this year. Cox spoke only to confirm his name and address during the brief hearing. Police described the deaths as a double tragedy and said the families of both Tommy and Ms Cox have been left devastated. 'He was liked and respected by his neighbours and friends and his family are absolutely devastated by his untimely death,' said Det Insp Phil Burke of Blackpool"s Police Major Investigation Team.