Mourners attending the funeral of popular Lurgan man, Colum ‘Collie’ Doyle were read a deeply emotional letter written by his son, calling him a “great man”, “guide, protector and best friend” who they promise to always make proud.
Colum – who passed away suddenly – was a well known and loved figure across Lurgan and the wider Co Armagh area. He also had many family and friends in Philadelphia, US having lived there for several years before returning home to Lurgan.
Philadelphia was where he met his devoted wife and best friend, Nicole in 1999. They returned to Northern Ireland in 2021 and within the last two years, the pair brought their own ‘Taste of Philly’ to the Orchard County opening restaurants in both Lurgan and Armagh city. It was a venture they were both incredibly excited and passionate about.
Speaking at Colum’s Requiem Mass in St Paul’s Church Lurgan, Father Colum Murphy expressed the keen sense of devastation and loss: “At a time like this when someone we love so much dies suddenly we are lost for words.
“There are no words that we can use to convey the grief, the sense of loss, the sense of shock, the sense of anything that we might be feeling. In fact, in may even be the case that we are feeling numb, struggling even to get our heads around what has happened and unable to take in the magnitude of how our lives will change because of this loss of someone we loved so dearly.”
Father Murphy then read to the congregation a heartfelt tribute written by Colum’s son, Caelen: “I would just like to say a few words about my dad, Collie Doyle. Losing my dad has changed our world forever. My dad wasn’t just a great man; he was my guide, my protector, my biggest support and my best friend.
“He loved me, my sister, my mum and all of our family and friends more than words could ever describe. His love was strong and always there.
“My dad and I were so close. He was involved in my life every single day and that is something I will always be grateful for. Taking me and my sister to school, picking us up and being our constant taxi. Some of the best moments were spent just being with him, hiking the Mourne mountains, going for runs and talking about everything.
“Gaelic football was a huge part of his life. He gave his time, energy and his heart to coaching. Helping our team win the Championship recently filled him with so much pride. He told me just the other week that being with me when Armagh won the All Ireland final was one of the best days of his life.
“When the weather was good he could be found at St Paul’s practicing with me or my sister kicking points.
“For my sister, he was her hero. He was her best friend and she had him wrapped around her finger. You could find him blow-drying her hair, jumping into the car on demand to buy her favourite foods, or driving her to sleepovers even in his pyjamas. He supported her from the side-lines of her matches, often coaching just a little too loudly.
“For my mum, he was her best friend. They met in 1999 and built a life together in Philadelphia surrounded by friends and family before moving to Ireland in 2021 to try something new.
“They were usually together. No drive was too short for the other one to want to take the ride. He let her sleep in while he drove us to early morning matches, patiently followed her around Lidl while she shopped far too long and loved making the fire so they could be cosy together in the living room.
“His passing has been a shock none of us were prepared for. It still doesn’t feel real. Some days we wake up expecting to see him or hear his voice. We would give anything for just one more day with him.
“But even through the heartbreak I choose to believe my dad is at peace now. I hope he is watching over us free from pain knowing just how deeply he is loved. I hope he knows how much he meant and still means to every single one of us.
“We did so much together as a family. Our home was filled with love. Those memories will stay with us forever and we will carry him with us in everything we do. We miss him more than words could ever explain. Thank you for everything you gave us. Thank you for your love, your guidance and your strength.
“One day we will see you again and until then we promise to make you proud. You were a great man, a loving father, husband and friend and you will never be forgotten.”
A death notice described Colum as the loving husband and best friend of Nicole for 27 years, and devoted father of Caelen and Siena, the dearly beloved son of the late John and Clare Doyle (Taghnevan), a loving brother to his many sisters and brothers, and a cherished uncle to all his nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
He also had many extended family and friends in the Philadelphia area, including his mother-in-law, father-in-law and his wife, grandmothers-in-law, sisters and brothers-in-law, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The notice added that he will be especially missed by his “adopted daughter,” Abby, whom he helped to raise from birth.
Colum’s GAA club, St Pauls’ GAC Lurgan also shared their deepest condolences, following his passing, adding: “The Committee and members of Naomh Pól CLG are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Collie, our former player and U16 coach.
“Collie had a big impact on this team and proudly coached them to a championship victory in September, and his dedication to the club will be fondly remembered by all.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his wife Nicole, son Caelen, daughter Siena, and the wider Doyle family at this very difficult time. Mary, Queen of the Gael, pray for them. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.”
