McDonagh Cup success one of the highlights for 'Jogger' Doyle
One of Westmeath's most talented hurling stars of the current era has retired from inter county hurling after serving 13 years in the maroon and white of the Lake County.
Lough Lene Gaels hurler Tommy 'Jogger' Doyle, who won a Joe McDonagh Cup medal in 2021 with Westmeath, has confirmed he is to step away from hurling at the top level. He was an outstanding hurler for Westmeath for many years and in 2017, when the Lake County performed heroically against Tipperary, produced a memorable performance to curb the influence of Seamus Callanan, who was held scoreless by the towering full-back.
Previously, Doyle was part of the team to defeat Kerry (2-29 to 1-24) in the Joe McDonagh Cup decider of 2021 at the famous Jones’ Road venue, under the guidance of Dubliner Shane O’Brien.
He also played on the Westmeath side which famously defeated Wexford in 2023 on a 4-18 to 2-22 scoreline in the Liam MacCarthy Cup at Chadwicks Wexford Park. An immense effort to come from 17 points adrift that day took its toll and Westmeath couldn't reproduce their best form as they succumbed to Antrim the following week and dropped back to the McDonagh Cup.
Doyle was part of the Westmeath side that defeated Carlow to win the National Hurling League Division 2A title in 2016, producing a man of the match performance in the final at O'Connor Park, Tullamore.
Doyle’s family are steeped in hurling and his father of the same name was a fine Westmeath hurler back in the 1980s. His club, Lough Lene Gaels have contested the last three Westmeath senior hurling finals and the versatile Doyle was switched from full-back to attack in the 2023 decider against Raharney, an inspired switch that almost brought them to glory.
‘Jogger’ is still searching for a Westmeath senior hurling medal and it is expected that he will return with the Collinstown men next year in an attempt to put that right.
Bringing the curtain down on a fine Westmeath career, Doyle said big days in Croke Park were the highlight of his 13-year career. He thanked his family and club for nurturing his love of the game and helping him to develop into the great player he was.
“It is bittersweet for me to say that 2025 is my last year to play inter-county hurling. Playing for Westmeath from 13 years old at development level, to the big days in Cusack Park, Croke Park and Thurles, has been a privilege. I’m proud to have had the ability to compete at the highest level for so long,” he stated.
“Helping to bring Westmeath back to top-tier status, and going toe-to-toe with some of the best forwards in the country, are memories I’ll always treasure, on the pitch.
“Like any competitor, I would have loved to have had more success, triumphs and victories, but ultimately, the best memories are the ones that came off the pitch. It’s the people you meet and the friendships you build, with teammates, coaches, supporters, and opponents. That’s what makes it special. It really is the journey that counts the most, and I’m glad to have taken that spin!
“A special word of thanks to my family, club and community. My partner Maria, for her support and patience with what can be an all-consuming lifestyle; my parents, Jogger Snr. and Teresa who rarely missed a game over the past 13 seasons, from Ballycastle to Tralee and everywhere in between.”
“My club, Lough Lene Gaels, who gave me my first hurl’, my first team, and my first sense of belonging in sport. I hope to give back as much as I can in the years to come, and to pass on a bit of what I have learned to the next generation.
"I would also like to thank the Gaelic Players’ Association for the help and guidance, supporting my professional career and education. Helping me to grow myself outside of sport. Without their help I feel like I’d only ever be just a hurler and I’m grateful that I’ve got more, much more than that.
“The real strength of Westmeath hurling has always been its people, the ones that back you, the players beside you, the mentors behind you, and the supporters who follow you. Westmeath hurling has given me some of the best days of my life, and I’ll always be proud to have played my part. I look forward to cheering on the next Westmeath team, and hopefully giving back to the game that’s given me so much. Iarmhí Abú. Thank you, Tommy Doyle.”
For newly appointed Westmeath senior hurling boss, Kevin O’Brien, Doyle’s departure is a definite blow as he aims to turn the county’s hurling fortunes around.