Tom had a strong work ethic, a generous heart and family meant everything to him
A pillar in the community is being mourned this week following the passing of popular business man Tom Doyle.
Late of Coolnaleen, Camolin, the funeral of the 73 year old heard on Monday (yesterday) that Tom started working at the age of ten and that strong work ethic stayed with him throughout his life.
Known far and wide as a successful businessman, Tom worked in drapery and haulage and saw an opportunity in 1972 when he founded Tom Doyle Supplies in Camolin.
Two years later, he married his beloved Sheila and they led a happy life together. They welcomed their children Anna, Patrick and Elizabeth and although Tom was a strict father, he was completely dedicated to his wife and family.
Tom grew up with his siblings Larry, Peter, Ann, Mary, Patricia and the late Sean, and his passion for Wexford GAA had its roots there.
A close friend of Tom’s, Cllr Diarmuid Devereux, knew him from both the world of business and GAA.
‘Tom and his late wife built up a fantastic business in Camolin, and he was a great role model for any young person starting off. He always has been a pillar of the community but his family was everything to him. The family itself are very close, and are highly respected.
‘Everyone had a nice thing to say about Tom, and the amount of money that he would have raised for people with intellectual disabilities – he was a legend in that whole area. Then in the GAA, when I was county chairman, Tom was the driving force behind the financial and structural recovery that we made. His contribution to Wexford GAA, both football and hurling, can never be questioned,’ he said.
Those attending and streaming Tom’s funeral heard that he was a man of great faith, but his heart was broken in 2012 when his wife Sheila passed away at the age of 65.
When he retired, Tom left the business in the capable hands of his son Patrick, and in 2012, Halo Tiles and Bathrooms was born from that business.
He still remained on the Board but dedicated his final years to family, particularly his beloved grandchildren Peadar, James, Kate, Síle, Tom, Sean, Cáit, Ellen and Patrick.
His passion for business was related to his desire to see people happy, but he didn’t want too much recognition. He felt it was an honour to help people get settled into their houses and making them more comfortable places to live.
Through the business, Tom travelled the world to explore new areas of supplies and always had some fun along the way.
Enjoying having his family closeby, Tom was known for acting on his ideas quickly with gusto.
Speaking at his funeral, his son Patrick said that Tom was a kind and generous man who did huge favours to help people out.
When he fell ill in the final years of his life, his suffering reminded Tom of what was important in life and he kept his close friends close to him.
Deeply regretted by his loving son, daughters, brothers, sisters, daughter-in-law, Avril, sons-in-law; Fergus and Barrie, grandchildren;, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May he Rest In Peace.