The late Pat Doyle The sudden death of Garda Pat Doyle (54) has left his family, friends and work colleagues shocked and deeply saddened. Originally from Clonmel, Pat resided in Gaulsmills, Ferrybank with his wife Phil and son Adrian (24). He died suddenly on Saturday last, September15. Described by Garda Ned Hogan, His best friend and life-long colleague, as" a gentle giant who went above and beyond the call of duty to help people," Pat will be a great loss not only to his family and friends but also to his communities he served with passion and commitment. An avid Tipperary hurling fan with a greatest for life and helping people, Pat served as a member of An Garda Siochana for 34 years, 33 of which he spent stationed in Waterford. For the past 10 years, Pat was the Juvenile Liaison Officer in the Ballybeg, Kilcohan, Dunmore East and Passage East areas. "Pat was a gentle giant, a very loving man who cared for everyone else before himself. He loved his work and regularly went above and beyond the call of duty to help people," stated Garda Hogan. "If he came across someone that had left school and was going down the wrong road, he would put in a fierce effort to help them and his main goal would be to improve their situation." "He loved hurling and was a mad Tipperary supporter. He was also great squash player and was involved for years in the fundraising campaigns organised by the by the Garda Squash Club." The club is in the process of raising money for the guide dogs for the blind. Sadly due to his untimely death, Pat will not be able to see the full fruits of this campaign. The hundreds of mourners who turned out at St. Senans Church, Kilmacow, to pay their last respects to Pat, was testament to the high esteem in which he was held. Accompanied by a garda escort, Pat made his final journey from Power's funeral home, Ferrybank to St. Senan's church on Sunday evening last. In the presence of a huge concourse of mourners, garda colleagues and sympathisers, his remains were received and blessed by Very Rev. Brian Flynn,P.P and Rev. Tom O'Toole, C.C Members of An Garda Siochana formed a guard of honour at the church as his colleagues carried the coffin, draped in the tricolour, to the altar. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Monday morning by Rev. Brian Flynn. During the mass sacred music was played by John O'Callaghan on Organ and soloist Martin O'Neill. Pat was later put to rest in the adjoining cemetery. Courtesy of the Waterford News September 22nd, 2008 Tweet

Most Read Stories