Leading tributes to an outstanding member of their sporting family, Tyrone GAA have said their county is “greatly diminished” by the loss of former County Chair and Treasurer, Paul Doris.
Paul – who had been heavily involved in all aspects of Gaelic Athletic Association life – became involved with the development of Tyrone GAA over 50 years ago.
He sadly passed away peacefully at his Dungannon home on September 2. Countless, heart-warming tributes have been paid to Paul since his passing, with many regarding him as a “great Gael” and “incredible man”, whose legacy will live on for many generations to come.
Tyrone GAA regarded his life as “long and so effective”. As a core member of a “stellar band” of people who came together to develop and lead the club to “unprecendented heights”, Paul’s profound contribution to County Board life cannot easily be put into words.
In an attempt to summarise his lifelong dedication and commitment, Tyrone GAA said: “Paul’s GAA contribution was simply inspirational, both at club level with Drumragh Sarsfields and Dungannon Thomas Clarkes, and at County level with Tyrone.
“He served as Tyrone County Chair and County Treasurer, and among much else energised a host of GAA committees, developed refereeing, and helped manage Tyrone teams.
“Beyond Tyrone he was a low profile but highly effective volunteer at Ulster and National levels, bringing dignity, decency and propriety to everything he did. His 2011 Gradam an Uachtaráin | President’s Award only hints at his GAA contribution.
“Maireann an chraobh ar an bhfál ach ní mhaireann an lámh a chuir | The branch in the hedge lives on, though the hand that planted it may be gone.”
They explained that beyond the field, Paul also made a “hugely positive impact” on his home county through his work in financial services.
In 2011, Paul was honoured as one of 16 chosen by the GAA as a recipient of the prestigious Gradaim an Uachtaráin President’s Awards, along Crossmaglen’s Margaret McConville, who also sadly passed away just last month (August 4).
He was granted the honour for his unwavering voluntary commitment as Treasurer and Chairman to the Tyrone County Board as well as for playing a key role in the development of O’Neill Park in Dungannon, where he also worked as a groundsman.
Drumragh Sarsfields GAC, where Paul remained a stalwart for many decades, the club said: “The Committee and Members of Droim Rátha Na Sáirséalaigh CLG wish to express their deepest sympathy on the sad passing of our former manager, Paul Doris.
“We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Anne; daughters, Noellene, Catherine and Anita; son, John; his grandchildren; the wider Doris family; and all at Dungannon Clarkes.
“Paul played an instrumental role in the footballing development of Drumragh throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He managed our Senior team to League success in 1976 and 1983, before guiding our youth teams to Grade 1 success in 1984 and 1986. Paul’s contribution to Drumragh during those years will be fondly remembered by all within the club.
“I measc na naomh go raibh sé go deo.”
Passing on their sincere condolences, one person said: “Paul led by example, complete integrity with core human values in everything he did. The best tribute to Paul is that in anything he was involved in, Paul left it in a better place than he found it. Whilst the GAA community has lost one of its great leaders, the loss is felt much more deeply by his family. RIP Paul.”
Another added: “So sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. An absolute gentleman and a true Gael. Met Paul on numerous occasions whilst refereeing throughout Ulster. He was known by everyone in GAA circles and will be sadly missed by all that knew or met him. To his family, friends and his GAA colleagues, I pass on my sincere condolences.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh ar a anam.”
Paul had previously hailed from Swinford, Co Mayo and Mohill, Co Leitrim, where he also made countless lifelong friends, who will share in the deep sadness of his passing.
A death notice described him as the dearly beloved husband of Anne and dear father of Noellene (Alan), Anita (Ronan), John (Sonja), Catherine (Conall) and adored grandfather of his 13 grandchildren. He was the dear brother of David, Philo, Frank and the late Dorothy (Dot) RIP.
Paul’s Requiem Mass will be held in St Patrick’s Church, Dungannon at 10 with interment afterwards in Carland Road Cemetery.
Donations in lieu of flowers if so desired are to Marie Curie c/o the family.
