The late Mr Jimmy Doyle R.I.P
It is with great sadness we confirm that legendary Thurles Sarsfields and Co. Tipperary hurler Mr James “Jimmy” Doyle has passed away.
Known and revered as one of the greatest hurlers in the history of the game, Mr Doyle, who was in his 76th year (born in Thurles in 1939), played as a right wing-forward for the Co. Tipperary senior hurling team.
Born in Thurles, County Tipperary, Mr Doyle first excelled at hurling while a student at Thurles Christian Brothers School (CBS) in the town, arriving on the inter-county scene at the age of just fourteen; linking up with the Tipperary minor team.
He made his senior début in the 1957–58 National League, going on to play a key role for Tipperary during a hugely successful era for the team. Mr Doyle also captained the Tipp team twice to All-Ireland victory in both 1962 and 1965, winning in total six All-Ireland medals, nine Munster medals and seven National Hurling League medals.
As a member of the Munster inter-provincial team for twelve years, Mr Doyle won eight Railway Cup medals. Also at club level he won ten championship medal with Thurles Sarsfields and at the time of his retirement Mr Doyle’s career tally of 18 goals and 176 points ranked him as Co. Tipperary’s all-time top scorer. (This record remained in place until June 24th 2007 and was only then broken by hurling great and right corner-forward Mr Eoin Kelly).
Also during his playing career he won three Cú Chulainn awards, as well as being named Texaco Hurler of the Year in 1964/1965. He was included at right corner-forward on the Hurling Team of the Century in 1984 and later, as left corner-forward, on the Hurling Team of the Millennium in 2000.
Following his retirement in 1973 Mr Doyle became involved in team management and coaching, which included a spell as manager of the Co. Laois senior team.
To his family and many sporting friends go our condolences on his death. Details of his funeral arrangements will be posted on this website later.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.
May he rest in peace. A hero.
A legend and a gent on and off the field. A hero too many generations of aspiring hurlers. A kind man who always had time to stop and talk to everyone.
To Jimmy’s family and friends, I offer my sincerest condolences. To the Thurles Sarsfield club who have lost an icon, a mentor, a friend, my condolences too.
Jimmy, may the green sod of Tipperary lay gently upon you.
Rest in Peace Jimmy Doyle and you will be up there in Heaven with a few Leens and Terry Loughnane from New Zealand, the Chat will be Great. I cried today when I heard the news. My sincere sympathy to your Family and tons of friends. Amen. Eileen Leen and Family.