Jimmy Doyle - New President of Cuala

"It is a great honour for me to accept the position of President of the Cuala G.A.A. club. On behalf of myself and my family I wish to sincerely thank the club and its members for bestowing this honour on me. I have been involved in the Cuala G.A.A. club from the very start, which was back in 1961. When I started this journey I never could have imagined the enjoyment and pleasure that such a club would give me. The lifelong friendships that I would make over the years, and who would have believe that the little club on the side of the road would become so successful.

People say that sport, especially team sports, create memories for life, and I would have to agree. I have been very lucky that over the years I have collected many memories that I will always cherish. I have been involved in teams that have won every Adult hurling competition in Dublin, from U/21 to Senior Championships. Some of my fondest memories would be our runs in the Dublin and Leinster Hurling Championships of 89 and 91. I have been very fortunate that I have made such great friends and have met such great players over the years. I want to thank you all for being here tonight and for you to remember all our friends who are no longer with us.
I thought that I had achieved everything I could in Cuala and it was a great surprise to me when I learnt the news that I was to become the president of such a successful club. Many years ago my good friend Tom Holden asked me to get involved in a club that they were forming, a request that I will always be grateful to him for. I am proud to have known Tom and I hope that I will carry out my role with such dedication and distinction as Tom did during his presidency.

As they would say Behind every man there is a great woman, I would like to thank my wife Eileen who has been with me, and has supported me every step of the way. In conclusion I would like to say that it is my hope to give this position 110% and to take this opportunity to wish the club and its members every success in the future."

Jimmy Doyle