The year 2025 marks a major milestone for Tom Doyle Motors. Celebrating 40 years in business, the team at Tom Doyle Motors recently hosted a special anniversary event attended by over 200 guests, including original directors, loyal customers, family, friends and local representatives, — a fitting tribute to four decades of dedication, resilience, and community.
The story of Tom Doyle Motors begins in 1980, when Tom Doyle and his friend and colleague, Pat Bermingham took a leap of faith and purchased a site located on the old Dublin Road to Galway, just outside Loughrea. As legend has it, the idea to start their own business began as a casual joke, however that joke quickly became reality, and although it took five years to navigate planning permissions, the pair eventually opened their doors in August 1985, selling second hand cars under the name 'Bermingham & Doyle'.
“I can say, hand on heart, we never cheated anyone or sold a car that was not as we described it,” said Bermingham at the 40th anniversary celebrations.
“We ran an honest business. We took them in, tore them down. We did everything that needed doing and we knew we would not have a complaint from any customer post-sale.”
Within 18 months of opening, a certain Arnold O’Byrne would provide a turning point.
O’Byrne, the well-known former CEO of Opel Ireland, was always on the lookout for a winner, and that winner was 'Bermingham & Doyle'. Tom and Pat accepted the opportunity, and they became Opel dealers in 1987, a move that proved transformative. Opel’s rising profile — boosted in no small way by their sponsorship of the Irish soccer team — led to a surge in car sales, and by 1996, Opel was the number one selling car brand in Ireland. Fittingly, this success coincided with another personal milestone for Tom — his marriage to Maura Deely.
A leap of faith
In 2000, Pat Bermingham decided to retire, and Tom alongside Maura, rebranded the company as Tom Doyle Motors.
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Under their stewardship, the business continued to thrive, building a reputation for high-quality vehicles and outstanding customer care. They prided themselves on their innovation, exemplified when they became the first garage in Galway to offer courtesy cars free of charge. For Tom and Maura, customer service is the foundation for every success Tom Doyle Motors has enjoyed over the past four decades.
“The customers are the lifeline of the business,” explains Tom.
“You have to look after them as best as you can and give them a good service. If you do that, the customer will always come back”.
Although there is so much to be proud of over the years, Tom is always looking forward. He is highly-motivated by the future and it is an exciting time to be involved with Opel. With an extensive commercial van range and the impending arrival of the new Frontera, there has never been a better time to switch to an Opel model.
“The Opel has always been a good car. German engineered, very reliable, reasonably priced to repair, and they have great resale value,” says Tom.
“The new Frontera will appeal to families as it is available in a five- and seven-seater. It will be available in hybrid and electric. It is going to appeal to middle-range families. It won’t be as big as the Grandland, but it will be bigger than the Mokka. So there should be great appeal for families,” Tom explains.
The Frontera will join the Grandland, Mokka, Astra, and Corsa in the Opel line-up for 2025. In the commercial vans, Opel offers the Movano, Vivaro, and Combo models.
The keys to success
Tom Doyle Motors remains committed to its core values while embracing innovation in an ever-evolving industry. With strong foundations and a loyal customer base, the dealership is well positioned for continued success in the years to come.
“Our ambition is to hold on to our customers and keep abreast of the changes that is happening in the industry. We want to keep looking after our customers going forward, just like we have the last 40 years.”
The road has not always been smooth. Like many in the industry, Tom Doyle Motors faced significant challenges during the 2008 financial crisis, a time when many local garages closed their doors. Through prudent management and a committed team, the dealership weathered the storm and emerged stronger.
Over the years, the motor industry has undergone enormous change, shifting from petrol to diesel and now toward hybrid and electric vehicles.
Reflecting on four decades in business, Tom attributes the company’s enduring success to a few simple principles: honesty, quality, and loyalty — both from customers and staff. The 40th anniversary celebration was not just a party, but a heartfelt thank-you to the many people who have supported the business along the way.
“It was great to show our appreciation to the customers for their loyalty over the years. Just to give them something back, an evening out where they can enjoy themselves,” reflects Tom.
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James Brooks, Opel Ireland Managing Director, said: “The Opel brand in Ireland has been built on the back of success of our dealer partners across the country where loyalty, tenacity and motor industry passion are clearly illustrated every day, none more so than at Tom Doyle Motors in Loughrea. Tom is highly regarded and respected across the Opel network and indeed the industry as a whole. Customer satisfaction has been core to Tom and Maura’s success.
“The Opel team would like to congratulate Tom and Maura Doyle wholeheartedly on their 40th anniversary of business, 38 years of which have been dedicated to the Opel brand. I wish them every success for the future.”
A fitting celebration
The beautiful Mass was celebrated by the PP from Claregalway Canon Ian O’Neill PP, and supported by the Claregalways Church Choir. The barbecue was professionally provided by Treat Catering Claregalway and there was wonderful music by Sean Brennan.
Meeting customers at the celebrations, everyone's shared admiration was for Tom’s “down to earth approach and his honesty”.
“I want to thank all the local businesses for their support to us and all I ask is that the people of Loughrea and surrounding areas support our local businesses,” Tom said.
“It is vital that we support one and other to keep our businesses in business – they are the people who give our students employment during the summers, so please do support. I am very grateful to all those who have supported us and we are overwhelmed with the outpouring of generosity and kindness shown to us over the past few weeks with cards, flowers and gifts, it has swept us off our feet.”
Reflecting on this milestone Pat Bermingham said “it was a very emotional return to where it all began”. He had not realised how much he missed his “old partner”. He appreciated that he and his family were invited back to celebrate.
Despite Tom’s success over the years, he remains a humble and dedicated man. He takes great pride in his local community and is a supporter of many local groups. He is the main sponsor of Kilconieron GAA for the past 23 years. He is a great supporter of the Irish Cancer Society, Galway Hospice, The National Breast Cancer Institute and Claregalway Tidy Towns where he lives.
With the next chapter already unfolding, Tom Doyle Motors is not just celebrating 40 years of success - it’s gearing up for many more.
Tom Doyle Opel Showroom, Galway Road, Loughrea,
H62 D982.
Tel: 091 841922
