By Dan Walsh
PJ (Patrick Joseph) Doyle, a prominent businessman aged 90, of Hollow House, Ballypreacus, Bunclody, and formerly of Rathmines, Dublin, passed away on Wednesday, September 3rd, in the presence of his family.
PJ was famous throughout Ireland for his ballroom businesses, especially The Barrowland in New Ross and the Castle Night Club in Enniscorthy.
Leaving school at 13, the self-made man relied on his sharp business acumen rather than formal education.
He grew up in a large family on a small farm near Bunclody, left school at 13, and moved to England, where he gained practical business experience selling Electrolux vacuum cleaners door to door.
He returned to Ireland and began organising dances at ballrooms across the country, quickly making a name for himself in the popular entertainment scene in the 1960s and 1970s.
Working with parish committees and sports clubs, he progressed to overseeing operations at several venues where the prominent showbands of the era were performing.
He noticed the advertisement for the Castle Night Club at the Warren Estates office in Enniscorthy after having acquired ballrooms in Courtown and New Ross, which were the initial venues of what later became a notable enterprise. Venues in Waterford and Clonmel were added to his portfolio.
Most of the funds were quickly invested in real estate in Dublin. PJ was among the final participants remaining in the ballroom property market.
Recently, Wexford County Council finalised a Compulsory Purchase Order on the Castle Night Club in Enniscorthy and intends to develop the area as a tourism hub. Meanwhile, The Barrowland in New Ross has reached a sale agreement, but details regarding its future redevelopment have not yet been disclosed.
FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Patrick Joseph (PJ) Doyle, Ballypreacus, Bunclody, Wexford / Rathmines, Dublin, Hollow House, Ballypreacus Bunclody, Co Wexford and formerly of Dublin. PJ passed away peacefully on Wednesday September 3rd, surrounded by his family. Aged 90 years. Beloved son of the late Ned and Kitty. Brother of Maura, Frances, Eamon, Brigid and the late Mick, Anne, John Joe and brothers-in-law Tysie, Noel and Jack. Very sadly missed by his brother, sisters, brother-in-law Jim, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and neighbours. May PJ’s Soul Rest In Peace
Reposing at his residence, Hollow House (Y21CF79) tomorrow (Friday) from 2pm to 8pm. Removal to Church of St. Mary Magdelene, Kilmyshall, on Saturday, September 6th at 12.30pm for Funeral Mass at 1pm. Burial afterwards in Calvary Cemetery, Bunclody. House private Saturday morning please.
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