I believe very strongly in my heart that I’m called to be a Preacher

Tell us a little bit about yourself;

My name is Gerry Doyle, originally from East London but living in Ireland since 2003, so I’m basically Irish now, lol.

In terms of my career, I took a bit of a different route in the sense that I went to Bible College for two years. Why? Because I believe very strongly in my heart that I’m called to be a Preacher which is something that I’m actively doing in my local church for the last three to four years which helps to develop those communication/ public speaking skills. It is something that gives me a huge feeling of fulfilment knowing that I get to share my faith with those who are a part of it and also those who are curious about it.

Also, during this time I stepped into the Security Industry which has been a challenging but exciting journey to say the least, it has led me to my current position of a Security Supervisor (currently awaiting results from a Management Course). My job is very rewarding because I get a thrill out of helping people, solving problems and facing conflict head on.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

My ideal Friday night is being a Youth Leader at my local church, this is something I’ve been doing for 10 years. We have between 50-80 young people coming through our doors every week, so we run a program which consists of things like: Games, Snacks, Music and Preaching/ Bible Studies. I get to witness a wide variety of different cultures, nationalities every week coming in to our church building and experiencing what it’s like to allow Jesus to transform your life despite your background or current circumstances.

Lie ins or up with the lark.. which is it for you?

Oh it’s 1000% lie ins for me … if sleeping in was an Olympic sport, there is no one that beats me!

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

Nope! Thankfully I’ve learned the skill of not just clocking out physically but also mentally, so much so that when people ask me how’s work my response tends to be something to the effect of ‘Work is work’. The reason I do or say this is because too often in conversations with people, the topic of work seems to be a dominating factor and when this happens I tend to mentally clock out of the conversation.

Work is a good thing and of course an important thing in our lives, but there is so much more to our lives than simply our job. My weekends tend to be very relaxed or recording Podcast episodes.

If money was no object where would you head to on a weekend city break? And who would you bring with you?

This is an easy one! I would head to Super Bowl so I get to watch Patrick Mahomes lead the Kansas City Chiefs to history with winning ‘back to back to back’ Super Bowl Championship!! In terms of company that I would bring, would probably be two of my friends Bernard and Sean who also have a great understanding of the beautiful game of NFL.

Closer to home, is there some place you like to head to recharge the batteries?

I’ve rediscovered this year my love for Cardiovascular Training, running to be precise. I was once an active boxer for about eight years so my fitness levels were once at a very good standard but life kicked in then I lost that. Running has become a major part of my weekly schedule, I do 8-10 mile running sessions 4 weeks - a healthy + effective way to recharge physically, mentally and actually emotionally. I like to track my progress on every run which is why I use an app called ‘Strava’, it’s also an extra motivation to push yourself because it’s all recorded.

Do you like to catch up with family/friends at the weekend?

My weekends tend to consist of chilling with the lads usually on Saturday evenings watching either Football, Boxing, Rugby or UFC!!

Entertain or be entertained? If it’s the latter do you have a signature dish?

I prefer to entertain/ host people. Not the best cook but I know how to cater for five to ten hungry lads who are starving and buzzing to watch sports at my house!!

We have so many places to eat out in Cork - where are your go to spots for coffee/ lunch/ special meal?

So for lunch I would say that ‘Boojum’ is an absolute banger - make sure you get Mexican Rice and DOUBLE Beef/ Chicken!!

Sunday night comes around too fast.. how do you normally spend it?

Sunday night are always set aside to go to the Young Adults group in my church! Every week we have 50-70 young adults from all different types of cultures and nationalities that gather to connect with each other and more importantly experience the presence of God through music and preaching.

What time does your alarm clock go off on Monday morning?

My alarm doesn’t go off on Mondays … because I don’t work Mondays, but on the days that I’m working, my alarm goes off at 6am. Not a fan of early mornings but once I’m up, showered and fed then I’m ready to take on the day.

Anything else you are up to right now...

Currently in the process of planning and recording episodes for my Podcast (Hope Sessions). It is ranked in the Top 20 in the Spiritually charts in Ireland, England, France and Italy when I recently checked.

Also, in the final stages of my second book being completed … a journey that has taken two years to get it done.

Lastly, I’m getting ready to partner with a Christian Radio Station and have my very own Radio Show which will be launching in January I believe.

More Than Words with Loso and A. Ward at Grace Church Cork for Cork City Culture Night

 On Cork City Culture Night, which takes place on Friday, September 20, there will be a rare opportunity to see two of the world’s Top 10 Battle Rappers perform.

With thought-provoking, captivating, lyrics the More Than Words event will feature the renowned American-based spoken word artists, LOSO from Florida, and A.WARD from Kansas City, who are both known for their Christian influenced wordplay, alongside Cork poet and rapper, Gerry D, amongst others.

Gerry D invites people to “come and experience the power of words and creativity and leave inspired by faith.” LOSO, with his clear understanding that impressing people isn’t enough, aims to make a lasting impact with his performances. A.WARD’s exceptional lyrical skills and dynamic delivery, inspires and entertains. Their poetry is widely studied in college curriculums and used in anger management counselling, highlighting its profound impact and relevance.

This family-friendly Cork City Culture Night event takes place at Grace Church, 53 MacCurtain Street, from 7-9:30pm. Like all Cork City Culture Night events, it’s FREE, and everyone’s welcome.