Cavan and Arva saddened by death of a great community activist

The death occurred at College View Nursing Home, Cavan on Thursday, August 3 of Mr Patrick Doyle, Hollybank, Arva and formerly from Gortermone, Carrigallen where he was born in November 1928.

He was the eldest son of Frank and Mary Anne Doyle and he had three older sisters Bridie, Margaret (Smyth), Molly (Sergejew) and brothers Sean and Fr Bernard Doyle.

He attended Gortermone National School and as a bright student he progressed to Moyne Latin School. He played Gaelic Football for a number of years for both Dromard and Tully (Carrigallen) but like so many in the ‘50’s he emigrated to England where his sister Molly was already established in Birmingham.

He got an Office Accounting job there but heard London was where you made your fortune and off down he went. He got a job driving for London Bus and had a few other sidelines as well.

Eventually he bought a Boarding House and housed many Irish men who were working at building Heathrow Airport. He even owned a Mini Bus to transport them to and from work.

In the mid ‘60’s his father advised him that Hollybank House was for sale and that he should buy it and move back to Ireland. He sold up in London and bought Hollybank.

The first few years were tough as it was a very big house with a lot of work to be done on but he soon had it up and running as B&B for visiting Anglers who came mostly from England to fish the numerous lakes of Cavan. He built up a strong repeat business as he had a great personality and plenty of stories and poems in his repertoire.

Pat was a founding member of Arva Tourism and was hugely involved in the setting up of the Angling Competitions which are still taking place.

He was involved with Arva Area Development Association and was a great community activist. When the Agricultural Show Society were looking for a field for a number of years Pat came to the rescue and it was held there.

He eventually sold Hollybank House and built a house nearby. He always loved travelling and then spent many winters travelling around Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. He eventually gave up long haul travelling and found his new winter home in Fuerteventura where he spent many happy days with all his friends. 

Pat was predeceased by his sisters Bridie, and Margaret, and is survived by his sister Molly in UK, brothers Sean and Fr Bernard, sister in law Bridget, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends in both Ireland and Fuerteventura to all of whom we extend sincere sympathy.

Pat reposed in Lakelands Funeral Home, Cavan on Friday, August 4 and his remains were removed to St Mary’s Church, Carrigallen on Saturday, August 5 for Requiem Mass followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.