Doyle, John 'Doc'
January 29, 2010A veil of sadness enveloped Paulstown and surrounding areas on December 10, 2009 when news spread of the death of John 'Doc' Doyle. The popular Paulstown native had succumbed to a short but serious illness, surrounded by his family and friends. Six months ago we sat on his bed in hospital. He was full of life, waiting for tests to be carried out and with little idea of the tough road that lay ahead for him.
He had borne his illness with great fortitude and bravery and with the help of his family and Home Care Team he was able to stay in his own home until very shortly before his death. Even though he had a relatively short life by modern day standards, it was a life he lived to the full. He was a person who was full of the joys of life, rarely in bad humour and had very little time for those who were. He would let them know in his own unique way.
'Doc' started work at 14 years of age as an apprentice in John Walls bicycle shop in Kilkenny. When qualified he set up business in Patrick Street before moving on to the Loughboy Shopping Centre where he ran a very successful business for a good number of years. There was little he did not know about mowers, strimmers or chain saws. He would have regularly gone out of his way to help someone in trouble and would make very little of it., just making the comment "Ah sure, this is what I am here for".
Due to the redevelopment of the shopping centre, he moved his business back to Paulstown a few years ago, where many of his loyal customers continued to support him. He was a great people person who could engage in conversation with anyone. He could be also very witty. A couple of examples come to mind. Our time a person asked him how the bill was made up and his reply was "€5 for doing the job and €25 for knowing what to do".
On another occasion, after completing a simple job for a person with little knowledge of mowers, he was heard to say: "That is why you are an accountant and I repair mowers."
Doc was also a very good barman and his services were often called on by local pubicans, where his great people skills came to the fore.
He was a great follower of the GAA and a lifelong member of Barrow Rangers Club. He was a shrewd judge of a player and his performance.
His sense of humour often eased a tense situation. He served as a selector for a number of teams over the years. He would also have considered himself a useful player, particularly at football. Some great stories exist regarding his performances which have been greatly added to the telling over the years. He was also a keen and loyal follower of the Black and amber.
"Through his good friend Joe O'Riordan he was able to attend the All-Ireland Final in September and watch the game from one of the best seats in the stadium.
He also had a great love of horse and dog racing. The highlight of the year was the week spent at the Galway Races. He stayed in Mrs Kelly's B&B in Salthill each year for the past 32 years. He will be missed from his favourite meeting point by the Parade Ring, where the chances of every animal would be discussed with his many friends. He also enjoyed great success with his greyhounds Hey Ted and Hey Tess.
He was a founder member of the very successful Paulstown Golf Society. There were many enjoyable fun-filled days out, which often lasted well in to the night as every shot was played at the 19th. He was also a lifelong Liverpool supporter.
There will be an empty chair for lunch at Langtons, with the passing of 'Doc' as each day a group of hurling fanatics met to discuss the latest happenings. He would impart his unusual wisdom with some witty contributions. The banter and fun was enjoyed by all.
He also loved music and one of the his favourite songs Two Little Boys was sung at the end of his funeral mass by the Paulstown Church Choir. This song in a way signified the type of person 'Doc' was - always available to help others. At the graveside the ceremony concluded with the singing of The Rose of Mooncoin- sure, wouldn't he loved to have been a part of it.
The esteem in which he was held was clearly in evidence by the massive crowds that attended his wake at his sister, Peggy's house, removal and burial. His coffin, draped in the blue and white of Barrow Rangers and black and amber of Kilkenny was carried shoulder high by his many friends.
His sisters Peggy ( Kilkenny) and Breda (Borris) will miss him so much, as will his extended family and friends. As has already been stated, he was one of those 'can-do' characters, impossible to replace. Ní beidh a leitheid ann aris.
MS Barrow Rangers GAA Club
Courtesy of the Kerry People
January 29th 2010 Tweet
