Doyle's Style
Possessed of a strong physique and a long stride, Doyle was famed for his dependable close defensive play, marked by his ability to execute long clearances from very tight entanglements in his corner-back position. His tussles with such illustrious Munster forwards as Paddy Barry (Cork) and Jimmy Smyth (Clare) have gained legendary status with the passing years. He holds a unique record in that he was never substituted in 19 years of inter-county championship and national league hurling, ample proof of his renowned durability.
Individually, his mastery of the shoulder-to-shoulder charge, allied to an above average number of deliveries out of defence marked him apart. Collectively, with fellow inner-defenders, Michael Maher (Holycross) and Kieran Carey (Roscrea), he completed a very formidable trio as Tipperary's last line of defence for a ten-year period from the late 1950s. Their marshalling territory in front of goal was famously known as "Hell's Kitchen" because of the often tempestuous nature of the exchanges which greeted the dropping ball arriving from mid-field. Their engagements with Cork in the Munster Championship and Kilkenny and Wexford in the All-Ireland series were among the most thrilling episodes of hurling play in the mid-century. They were past masters at 'holding-off' the forwards, which was a legal ploy designed to afford protection to the goalkeeper, thus allowing him ample time and space to 'catch and clear'. This was an integral and important part of their defensive strategy which paid rich dividends through many campaigns. This was a period when goalkeepers were legitimate targets for in-rushing forwards who were then allowed to charge the custodian with impunity, not a welcoming prospect for most goalkeepers intent on keeping an eye on a fast approaching sliothar. However, a succession of Tipperary goalkeepers enjoyed maximum protection from the 'Kitchen' staff who repelled all invaders, employing ample strength and muscle as the occasion required. Doyle considered Ned Wheeler (Wexford) and Eddie Keher (Kilkenny) his strongest opponents and is quoted as saying that tackling Wheeler was like colliding with a tree.
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