Writing Changing of the Guard was how retired Garda Inspector Tim Doyle resolved to overcome the shock of his kidney failure diagnosis and an uncertain future. Available in hardback, Changing of the Guard, which is published by Currach Books, gives a snapshot into the period between the 1950s and 1980s, a time of great turmoil and upheaval in the Garda Siochana and two central figures, both Clare natives, who played a pivotal role in its modernisation. The author Tim Doyle, a Kerry native, who spent the last seven years of his career before retirement as Head of Security at Dail Eireann, has directed all of the proceeds from the sale of the book to the Irish Kidney Association (IKA)
On 2nd December 2022, the Centenary year of the Garda Siochana, Tim and his wife Agnes, as well as Damien McCarthy from the Garda Representative Association (GRA), George Maybury from the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI), Pat Ryan, Association of Garda Superintendents (AGS), and Christy Lonergan from the Garda Retired Members Association (GSRMA) visited the Irish Kidney Association’s head office in Park West, Dublin. Tim presented a signed copy of his book and a cheque for €10,000, the proceeds of the sale of his book in its first year, to Carol Moore, the Chief Executive of the Irish Kidney Association.
IKA Picture Conor McCabe Photography
CHEQUE PRESENTATION TO THE IRISH KIDNEY ASSOCIATION
At the cheque presentation to the Irish Kidney Association, author Tim Doyle said, “It is especially noteworthy than on the Garda Centenary year when we honour over 40,000 members who took an oath to protect and serve all people it is more than appropriate that we reach out and support the lifesaving efforts of the Irish Kidney Association.
“It is my way of giving something back for all the wonderful care and support I received while I was struggling with kidney failure. I hope that the message people can take from my story is that even in pain and struggles, positivity can emerge and manifest itself.
“In my case I turned towards writing which helped me navigate my way through my illness. I feel blessed for the wonderful love and support I received from my wife and family and the outstanding care I received from health professionals. I hope that I can inspire others who are struggling with organ failure, to realise that there is always hope, and regardless of where the journey brings you, you should focus your energy on pursuing a personal goal and being your best self. It is amazing how human nature can find fresh cause for optimism as hope springs eternal.”
Concluding his speech at the cheque handover, Tim said, “In our centenary year it’s a proud day for me, my family, my Garda comrades and all generations of gardai to be able to hand over a cheque to the Irish Kidney Association which does wonderful work in supporting kidney patients”.
Thanking Tim for his generous donation, the Irish Kidney Association’s Chief Executive, Carol Moore, said, “Changing of the Guard is a highly informative and entertaining read for all people interested in the operation of Irish society – not just Gardai and their families. It charts the change from a conservative, oppressive, stifling culture to a more open and respectful environment. The bravery and courage of a few visionary leaders who put their own careers on the line is inspiring and the book shows the wide range of skills and tactics needed to successfully introduce change. A very useful read for anybody aspiring to change Irish social norms and wishing to advocate for others, like the Irish Kidney Association does for its patients. Given the vital role in Irish society of An Gardai Siochana, we in the Irish Kidney Association are delighted to be receiving the royalties from this important book which is a record not just of Jack Marrinan’s life of service but a history of an important time in An Gardai Siochana. The funds will help us carry out the work we do in supporting other kidney patients like the book’s author Tim Doyle”.
Garda Damien McCarthy of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) said, “I consider it a great honour to be invited here to the Irish Kidney Association’s headquarters today… we know first hand the work that is being done, the challenges that you face, and those challenges might be somewhat easier to overcome with the proceeds of this great book. Because it’s never lost on us from the stories we hear, the trouble that comes to one’s door in terms of their health, stories of dialysis and transplant, and where the Irish Kidney Association have been there from day one”. It’s an honour and a privilege for me to be here as a member of An Garda Siochana, to play some small role in the good work Tim is doing with his book, helping not only in his career in the guards but in his retirement, continuing to serve his community and protect the importance of the preservation of life by donating the proceeds of his book to the Irish Kidney Association.”
While congratulating author, Christy Lonergan, representing the Garda Siochana Retired Members Association (GSRMA), spoke of some of the influential Gardai covered in the book whom he had known. “I met Michael Conway who was secretary of the garda medical aid and Jack Marrinan who was secretary of the Garda Representative Association, and not forgetting Jim Cuffe at the time who was the secretary of the Garda Benevolent Trust Fund. Those were three great guys from my point of view, because they were the guys that brought those three organisations up from where they were to a new plain, and I will be very grateful to them for all my time”.
George Maybury, representing the Association of Garda Sergeants & Inspectors (AGSI), spoke about the similarities between the Irish Kidney Association and the Gardai. “It’s all about managing relationships right across the board, it’s all about caring for people, being there for people… you learn so much about society, you learn to deal with people in the most difficult, sad circumstances”.
Detective Superintendent Pat Ryan, National Executive for the Association of Garda Superintendents said, “Tim is truly inspirational, and the association of garda superintendents are delighted to support him, and indeed the Irish Kidney Association”.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR TIM DOYLE
The self-described ‘delinquent who came from humble beginnings in Dunloe, the Black Valley and Mid Kerry,’ Tim played football for his county with the greats of the time and was gently encouraged to join the Guards which was referred to as ‘The Job’, by a retired sergeant.
Having become a garda in the late 1966 Tim began his career in Dublin where he remained throughout his 37 years’ service. En-route to New York‘s Gaelic Park he met Laois born Agnes McCarthy from Stradbally and ‘discovered a place in his heart he didn’t know existed’. They set up home in Clontarf, Dublin, and have four children and seven grandchildren.
Tim served as a Garda, Sergeant, and Inspector and spent the last seven years of service as head of security in Dail Eireann. Having lived a healthy life, always being physically fit, and a non-smoker and non-drinker, he was blindsided while in early retirement to be diagnosed with end stage kidney failure. He had to learn and adapt to undergoing dialysis treatment and the restrictions it brings including lifestyle and dietary. This new reality took its toll on Tim’s emotional wellbeing for a time. Having kept a diary for much of his life, he had written two books on his career; Peaks and Valleys 1997 and Get up them Steps 2003, with proceeds donated to charity.
Despite the ever-increasing limitations imposed on his lifestyle Tim adapted implicitly to the expertise of the Mater Hospital’s Renal Staff. He began to write what he describes as his ‘best book to date’. It was a ‘road never travelled’ but he was never alone with the company of numerous colleagues who served with him during the almost totally unrecorded, hugely transformational, and traumatic decades of 1950s to 1990s.
Ever grateful for the transplant he received five years ago, Tim has dedicated the book, Changing of the Guard, to the family of his kidney donor and the healthcare professionals who cared for him as well as the numerous Garda colleagues who responded with encouragement and support during the writing process. The majority of these were in retirement, but expressed delight that their story was being written by one of their own. For Tim, he says the process of writing it proved hugely therapeutic. In September 2021, Changing of the Guard, was published by Currach Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK – CHANGING OF THE GUARD
Available on hardback, Changing of the Guard, gives a snapshot into the period between the 1950s and1980s, a time of great turmoil and upheaval in the Garda Siochana. It charts the careers of two inspirational and transformational Clare gardai who joined in the early 1950s; Jack Marrinan and Michael Conway. The book is laced with comments by both men who were interviewed by author Tim Doyle. In the 1960s, Marrinan’s sacrificed his career and was sacked. Having been reinstated he refused promotion and secured a Garda representative body (GRB) independent of other ranks. In 1978 the GRB tripled in number and became the Garda Representative Association (GRA). Jack Marrinan remained as General Secretary until his retirement in 1989. During his tenure the Garda representation evolved into a skilful and powerful negotiating body. Nearly all the advantages enjoyed by present day gardaí are built on the foundations he established. He passed away in 2015.
Garda Michael Conway was wages clerk in the Garda Depot. Michael Conway, now 92 years old, is quoted in Changing of the Guard describing how “The welfare of Gardai and their families had been talked about for years. In the late 1950’s I took over the Garda Medical Aid. All I had was a table a chair and typewriter. I brought medical claims home sort them out. The widows and children of deceased gardai were destitute, depending on handouts from St. Vincent de Paul. I helped set up the Garda Group assurance Scheme’.
In the 1960s, Michael teamed up with Jack Marrinan. They rejuvenated the Garda Benevolent Society which had been set up in 1936. This gave subvention and grants to the survivors of deceased members and annual grants to orphaned children.
Changing of the Guard is available on hardback from most good bookstores around Ireland and can also be ordered online from its publishers Curragh Books www.currachbooks.com
