Town devastated by the death of a wonderful and kind gentleman
SHOCK AT SUDDEN DEATH OF JOE DOYLE ON SATURDAY
THERE IS widespread shock, disbelief and sorrow being felt throughout Enniscorthy this week as people come to terms with the sudden and unexpected passing on Saturday of Joe Doyle, from Doyle’s Pub in the Duffry.
Joe, who was a son of John and Anne Doyle, was one of the town’s most popular, respected and much loved characters.
One of the most active members of the community across the town, at various times he was involved in numerous organisations, including the Red Cross, St John’s Ambulance service and a very significant aspect to all of his roles was that it was in a voluntary capacity.
Joe cared about people and was immensely proud of being from County Wexford and Enniscorthy.
An avid follower of the Rapparees-Starlights GAA club, he loved nothing more than welcoming members of the club through the doors of the pub – especially when celebrating a victory.
He was also very proud of Wexford county players with links to the town and they were always treated like VIP guests of honour in the pub.
Despite having cystic fibrosis, Joe himself was
a keen sportsperson in his youth and took great pride in relaying exploits of his feats on the pitch to people, albeit with that mischievous glint in his eye.
He was a passionate Liverpool FC fan and enjoyed many trips over to see his favourite team play at Anfield.
Joe’s caring and charitable nature was exemplified by the amount of fundraising he did for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, all of which was voluntary.
Speaking about his fundraising efforts a close relative of Joe’s said: ‘He worked tirelessly for cystic fibrosis and it was something very important to him on a personal level.’
Joe was also very much involved in the drama scene in Enniscorthy and was a member of Enniscorthy Drama Society.
The organisation paid tribute to their friend and colleague and described him as ‘a wonderful man’.
‘We, as a drama group, were privileged to have Joe on our side and to say he worked hard and gave it his all is an understatement,’ said a spokesperson for the group.
Joe was actually one of the founder members of the group and, during his time with the organisation, he devoted his time to different roles, on and off stage, including stage management and props master.
The drama group spokesperson said his onstage roles included playing the priest in ‘The Tinker’s Wedding’, and ‘Dr McSharry’ in ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’, while his most recent role was that of Nigel in ‘Well, Anythin quare?’.
One of Joe’s proudest moments was playing the part of Nigel in John B Keane’s pub in Listowel.
‘Joe was a true friend to all in Enniscorthy Drama Group and he showed it by the lengths he went to for each play and each performance,’ said the spokesperson. ‘We will miss you terribly Joe, rest in peace, a true gentleman.’
Joe broke his ankle in the run-up to Christmas and it meant his mobility was severely restricted, necessitating some time in hospital.
However, he got to return home to the Duffry on
Christmas Eve and remained at home thereafter.
Unfortunately, he contracted Covid-19 and a combination of that and the fact he had CF resulted in his unexpected passing on Saturday.
At the time of going to press the details of Joe’s funeral were not known, however, his family and relatives are very anxious that nobody attends the funeral in adherance with current Covid-19 health and safety guidelines and on the avice of the gardai. However, nothing would have made Joe more proud than for people to make a donation to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, if they so wish, because it meant so much to him.
A memorial in Joe’s honour will take place at a later date when it’s safe to do so and when restrictions are lifted.
Joe Doyle’s legacy is that of a very caring man who always thought of others and always had time for people.
‘We have to do what we can to keep the rest of the family safe,’ said one of Joe’s close relatives.
‘We want everyone to be safe and we don’t want anyone else contracting Covid,’ she added.
His family also want to ensure that none of Joe’s friends and neighbours becomes ill as a result of attending his funeral because that would be the last thing Joe himself would want.
Joe Doyle was a gentleman, a great son, friend and proud Enniscorthy man and he will be very much missed.
Joe is survived by his parents, John and Ann, by his aunt, Mary Doyle, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandnieces and nephews, and very large circle of friends.