JAMES (Jim) DOHERTY

Was so sad to hear of this terrible news, Jim was such a huge part of our lives when we were kids, I remember surfing down the stairs with Carmel and Patrick on those big hippo toys (they were probably not that big) Jim was giving out to us but just gave the biggest grin. He was the first Santa we had delivering those precious toys at Christmas. Since leaving Limerick Kathleen and Jim always kept up that wonderful friendship and always made a keen effort to keep in touch. Patrick, Kathleen and Noel + the wider family and friends your hearts will definitely be hurting for your huge loss but hoping in time you will remember the beautiful smile and the glint in his eye as indeed is shown in the above photo.

We only heard of Jim's death yesterday...a shock....my heart goes out to you, Cathleen - and Patrick....
I got 2 know Jim - thru politics - in the 80s & many is the canvass we went on ....
He taught our son in Ard Scoil Rís & boy, what a teacher he was....our son was very fond of 'Doc' - as all the boys were....
Jim/Doc - May you Rest in Peace.

My deepest sympathy on the passing of your Beloved Jim RIP
Heartfelt Condolences to his wife Cathleen, son Pat and to all his extended family.

I only heard a few days ago of your loss of Jim. I was shocked & saddened to hear this very sad news.
I worked at Ard Scoil Ris for a while, my memories of Jim are of a wonderful enlightening person who enriched both his students and colleagues. His beautiful voice, his unique style, his passion for the arts, made such a wonderful impression on all who encountered him.

I remember the great work that he & Joe did as Transition Year Coordinators - there weren't any bored students, their schedule was filled with exciting information & activities. The mutual respect between teacher and student shone bright.

I regret I didn't know, I would have been at his repose.
He was a beautiful, kind gentleman.
Wishing you Peace & God's Comfort at this lonely time.
May your Dearest Jim Rest in Peace.
May the Angels give him the softest bed in Heaven.

Strength and condolences to everyone who knew and loved Jim.

He thought me English and History over the second half of the 80s. I know there were times he was my advocate and in scenarios where I'd let him down and times I just didn't get it or was disinterested.
But he never condescended and always seemed to think a student better to be wrong-but-curious rather than correct-but-conventional.
He even looked over my early attempts at writing lyrics and I can assure he didn't pull any punches. Honest appraisal. Praise where warranted and raise yer game where he expected better.

He'll be sorely missed. So long Jim.

Sincere condolences to the bereaved family. I have happy memories of History class where 'Doc' as we called him, brought this subject alive through his insightful story telling. He was universally liked and respected in equal measure by the students fortunate enough to experience his classes. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís

Sincere condolences to Cathleen and family on the passing of Jim. May he rest in peace.

Sincere Sympathies to Cathleen and family, May Jim Rest in Peace.

Exceptional teacher who made his mark on a generation of students at Ard Scoil Ris. I was lucky to have had Mr. Doherty teach me English through my entire secondary school education. His engaging approach, filled with personal anecdotes and wry cultural observations, was unique and refreshing. 30 years later, I remember his stories about being an extra on "Alfred the Great", his fondness for UCG and Jimi Hendrix, and why the metaphysical poets were overrated. RIP.

My deep and sincere condolences to the Doherty family on the passing of Mr. Doherty. He taught my first class in 1st year (English) in Ard Scoil Ris in 1986 and left an indelible mark both in terms of his passion for what he taught and his approach to life in general. He was very quick witted, engaging and approachable, which made him everyone's favourite teacher. As the years pass by, you recall the teachers and people who make an impression on your life and lead you to critically evaluate the status quo and he certainly did that in a manner that was effortless and always authentic. He will be sadly missed by all those who had the good fortune to be in his presence and learn from him, but most especially by family and close friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Cathleen, Pat & Loic, Noel & Junior, and all the extended Doherty family, our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Jim. There are no words to express the void that Jim leaves behind, but there is much love still here from having him as part of our lives - Michelle & Martin.

Our deepest sympathy to Noel & family on the loss of your brother James. May his gentle soul rest in God's eternal peace 🙏🏻

Our deepest sympathy Noel to you and family. RIP Jim.

Cathleen , Pat and extended family, sincere condolences on Jim’s passing. He was a gentleman and will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with ye at this very difficult and sad time.

Sorry to hear of Jim “the Doc’s” passing. The Doc was a legendary teacher who left a positive and lasting impression on me for one and I’m sure the same is true for countless other past pupils. I had the privilege of being in his history class and can still recall his distinct signature cool swagger as he’d enter class to hold court and impart his wisdom. It was always a class I looked forward to. It was Doc’s reference to Catch 22 in class which led me to read it, the first book that actually caused me to laugh out loud while reading it. 1984 by George Orwell was another recommendation, its themes being still very topical today. Doc was a strong believer in critical thinking, questioning things and not just blindly accepting the ink that paper had chosen to accept. So in short, for me his legacy lives on in the lives and minds of all those lucky enough to have been thought by him.

RIP the Doc, long live the Doc.

He taught me history and he taught me how to debate. Most importantly he passed on how to care, ask questions, be kind, learn, and how to be a good person.
Doc, as he knew him, made a difference and will be missed

Although I only briefly encountered the renowned Mr Doherty during P/T meetings he struck me as a very interesting and engaging person. Condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.

Caithleen and Patrick - my thoughts are with you both and the rest of your family. Jim was a terrific teacher to witness and learn from. He was an equally good and kind colleague and genuine friend. Always remembered.

Jim or Doc as we knew him was a true great. His intellect was astounding, a deep knowledge of his topics, History and English, and a first round draft for any quiz team with a chance of victory. He was very humorous, as long as you were not the target of his wit!

We laughed a lot and learnt a lot. And he was so cool - the jacket and t-shirt, the boots and mainly the gravelly voice, which I can still hear. He clearly loved teaching and we could not but love being thought by him.

A great friend to my uncle Liam, a dude and a gent. My sincere condolences to Jim's family, he is missed, RIP.

Sincere condolences to you all at this very sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Rest in peace Jim

Deepest sympathies to all the Doherty family. "Doc" was my English and History teacher for just two years, but his impact was lifelong. His stories in History class were the stuff of legend... myself and the other lads in those classes would scribble down the funniest and most entertaining of them lest we forgot a word, and they continue to be a topic of conversation we'll bring up to this day, nearly 30 years later!

He went over and above as a teacher, not just making his classes fun (i.e., enacting out the entirety of King Lear for English class with Mr. O'Donnell!) but also showing a genuine interest in his students... but he didn't suffer fools gladly, and woe betide any messer who he felt was wasting his or the other students' time!

My lasting memory of Mr. O'Doherty was him, after noticing some lyrics jotted down on the back of my History copybook, calling me aside one day after class to tell me... "If you think Nirvana are good... just wait til you listen to Neil Young!!" RIP Doc.

Deepest sympathy Pat, Loïc and family on the loss of your Dad. May he rest in peace.

Deepest sympathy to Cathleen, Patrick and extended family on the loss of Jim. May he rest in peace.

An outstanding man and brilliant teacher. With Doc, the class was a conversation where you were encouraged to think for yourself and speak your own mind. The things I remember learning from him were all ‘outside the book’. Outside the class, I remember serving him pints and chatting about all things Bob Dylan. One of a kind. RIP Doc.

Cathleen , Pat and all your extended family, sincere condolences on Jim’s passing RIP. Always a pleasure to meet him and yourselves. We are thinking of ye at this very difficult time. Sorry we can’t be with you as we are away .

Cathleen we were so sad to hear about Jim. We have many happy memories of times spent with you both in Rowan Avenue. Thinking of you and all your family at this very sad time. May Jim rest in peace

So very sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. My Dad was a long term colleague of Jim’s in Árd Scoil Rís. Have been hearing about Jim all down through the years - a name I knew well but never met him. I was with my Dad last Monday when he learnt of Jim’s passing - he was very saddened to hear as I am. He sounded like a great person.

Our sympathy to Jim’s wife and family on the death of a beloved husband and father.We came to know Jim through a mutual friend Willie Lawlor.Again and again we check facts of history in Jims Dictionary of Irish History— A very brilliant yet unassuming man.May he rest in peace and may God console all who mourn him.

Noel, so sorry to hear about your lovely brother Jim’s passing. May he rest in peace. Thinking of you and all the family at this very sad time.

We are sorry to hear of Jims passing . May he rest in peace

Cathleen and family, please accept our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. Jim was a lovely man and a pleasure to have met.

“Doc” personified coolness to all of us in that school. No one wanted to mess with him, his quick witted responses would always catch everyone off. He instilled a love for history in me that I still have to this day. Condolences to all his family may he rest in peace.

To Cathleen, Pat and all of Jim’s extended family we are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing, we only heard the news today Wednesday and are devastated we did not make his funeral.
We would like to express our deepest condolences to all of you at this very sad time, Jim was always a pleasure to and we will miss him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time, may his gentle soul rest in peace.
Jen and Liga.

What an amazing man. When I started in Ardscoil quite frankly I had no interest in History. My love of history began with Mr Doyles dramatic and infectious classes. Then I was in with the Doc absolutely brillant teacher kept us interested every minute. He is a legend. Rip

Our sincere sympathies to Cathleen,Pat,and the extended Doherty family on the death of Jim. May he Rest in Peace. You are all in our thoughts at this sad time. Leaba imeasc na Naomh go raibh aige. Slàn abhaile a Jim.

Sending my deepest condolences to Cathleen, Pat and all of Jim's family at this difficult time. May Jim rest in eternal peace.

My deepest sympathies on the loss of Mr. Doherty, a remarkable man. I had the privilege of having him as a history and English teacher for two years, 2005-2007. I have never met anyone else like him. Profoundly intellectual and equally entertaining. A very compelling character whose classes were like no others. Taught us so much about critical thinking. Unique in his sheer ability to impart his wisdom to his students, and a real gentleman. My condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Mr. Doherty.

Deepest sympathy to Cathleen, Patrick, Junior, Noel & extended Doherty family on the passing of Jim. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Thinking of ye at this very sad time.

RIP Jim, thanks for your knowledge, encouragement compassion and wisdom over the years at Árd Scoil Rís and thereafter. Colm

Mr. “Doc” Doherty

You were the life and soul of Ard Scoil Ris. I count myself lucky to have had you as an English teacher but you made it so much more then just about teaching - you were the unconventional one. Regaling life stories and experiences, allowing us to express our opinions big or small and treating us all as equals in quite a conventional world back then. You were revered by many. A bunch of us from your 06 LC class recounted our time with you upon seeing this sad news. You were on a pedestal then and I’ve no doubt you’re on a higher pedestal now looking down upon all you’ve played a part in shaping the lives of.

Sincere sympathy Noel to you and Cathleen and Patrick and the wider family on the sad death of your dear brother Jim. May he rest in peace.

My deepest sympathies to Cathleen, Patrick and all the family on the passing of Jim.
He was an inspiration to all his Students and friends, reading the tributes to Jim “Doc” ,I am not a bit surprised to see how respected and admired he was,he was a brilliant Teacher,Colleague and loyal friend.
I have some lovely memories of Jim and will cherish them always.
He was a humble ,kind gentleman and was able to inspire so many people.
He was an incredible English Teacher and when I think of him in his Classroom,I think of Mr Keating in Dead poets society in the way he was able to bring his Subjects to life.I consider myself lucky to have taught with Jim and call him a good friend.
Rest in peace Jim.
At Dheis de go raibh Se.

Cathleen, my heartfelt sympathy to you, Patrick and the extended Treacy and Doherty families on Jim's sad passing.
May he now enjoy eternal rest.

Deepest sympathy to Cathleen and your extended family on the loss of your beloved Jim. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Jim Doherty (Doc/Sir). He was a towering and inspirational figure to many of us through his teaching in Ard Scoil and I’ve thought of him often over the years. He didn’t just instil a love of English in pupils through his own clear passion for the subject, he also had the innate ability to foster an appreciation of the possibilities for self expression and creativity in his classes. A truly wonderful teacher, and I will always value my signed copy of Journey to the Bay. Rest in Peace.

Just been to pay my respects to Doc. Sad occasion, but lovely to see his trademark ear ring. Many good memories of English and particularly History classes over the years in Ard Scoil. I remember his teaching us the Deserted Village in poetry - and when reciting the lines about a man of “learned length and thundering sound”, oft wondered did he know he was describing himself. 🙏🏻

RIP

Our sincere sympathys to Kathelen Pat, Junior and Noel and the extended family on the passing of your beloved husband, father and brother. May he rest in peace 🙏

To Cathleen, Patrick and entire family, my deepest sympathy on the passing of Jim. A true Gentleman and many great memories calling to your home.
Come Holy Spirit upon you. May he rest in peace. Continued Prayers. God bless and comfort you all. Thank you. Fr. Michael

Sincere sympathy to Cathleen Patrick and extended family on the sad passing of Jim. We will remember all the good times together. Sorry I won't be able to make the funeral. RIP Jim. Phyl.

My deepest condolences to the Doherty family on Jim's passing. Jim was one of the original transition year co-ordinators when I was in Ard Scoil Ris. At the time It was a very progressive programme that offered us a wonderful alternative to the usual exam subjects. We have Jim to thank for helping to implement such a great programme. May he rest in peace.

Cathleen, Patrick and extended family, my deepest sympathy to you all on the loss of Jim. He was a lovely man. May he have the best bed in heaven.

As a young teacher in the 90’’s, beginning my career in Ardscoil Ris, Jim’s kindness, guidance and continuous support was exceptional. He was an inspiration to all his pupils…a force to be reckoned with, his one liners engaging, his knowledge outstanding. His presence alone brought students to a standstill. All listened in awe to his pearls of wisdom. His passion for both History and English intertwined with his passion for life will always be remembered . He was an inspiration, a fantastic role model, a great mentor and colleague but most importantly a brilliant friend, rest in peace gentle “ Doc”
Sincere condolences, Cathleen.Patrick and the extended Doherty family.

Sincere sympathies to Jim's family on his passing. He was a great teacher and a wise gentleman.
May he rest in peace

Deepest sympathies to Jim's family on his sad passing. I remember him fondly from Ballina. He was a true gentleman and he will no doubt be greatly missed.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Cathleen and Patrick, I'm very sorry to hear about Jim's passing.He was a very nice man.
RIP Jim.
Love from your cousin Mary P.

Cathleen and Patrick, it is with deep sadness we heard of Jim’s untimely passing. Please accept our sincere sympathies on your great loss.
We are thinking of you both at this sad and lonely time. May he rest in peace.

Jim was simply an inspirational teacher and an outstanding communicator. He instilled an enduring love for both English and History, commanding respect with his capacious intellect. Sincere condolences to his family.

Super English teacher, and a nice man. Served him pints in the Davin when I worked there with Pat. Condolences to Pat and family. RIP Jim.

A brilliant teacher who always held the respect of the class. Very sorry to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace.

More than ten years ago my friend Liam introduced me to The Tuesday Walkers.
Jim was an important member of that group.
To be in lock-step with Jim,discussing politics,history or nothing much at all,while enjoying the Ballyhouras or Burren,was always a joy.
Rest In Peace Jim.

As a school principal for 20 years, I often asked aspiring teachers what inspired them to enter the profession, and many credited a teacher who had a lasting impact on their lives. For me, that teacher was Jim 'Doc' Doherty RIP. His deep knowledge, warmth, humour, and dedication to both his students and subjects inspired me to become a History and English teacher. Like many others from ASR, I am deeply grateful for his influence and guidance. My condolences to his family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.