*Donal Carey with his sons Donal Jnr and Joe.
CLARECASTLE’S Donal Carey (FG) has been hailed as a “a political hero” following his death.
A Clare TD for two decades and a Junior Minister for two years, Donal died on Tuesday night at University Hospital Limerick (UHL).
At Áras Contae an Chláir on Wednesday evening, elected members of Clare County Council gathered to approve a €204m budget for 2026. Cathaoirleach of the Council, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) took a moment to remember and pay respect to Donal.
Councillors stood for a minute’s silence for the former councillor who was elected in the Ennis and Miltown Malbay areas before progressing to Dáil Éireann.
Cllr Murphy who is a close family friend of the Careys described Donal as his “political hero”. He also acknowledged the death of Donal’s wife Evelyn in 1993 when expressing his sympathies to his children, siblings, grandchildren and many friends.
Tánaiste Simon Harris (FG) said he was “extremely saddened” by Donal’s passing. He stated, “Donal was deeply committed to public service, dedicating well over 20 years of his life to the people of Clare, as a councillor, TD, Senator and Minister of State. He was someone who brought a real sense of kindness, humour and wisdom to the job, always willing to support younger colleagues who were starting out on their political journeys.
“Without doubt, one of Donal’s overriding passions was serving the communities and people of county Clare. Communities that will always Donal for ensuring their voices were heard in Dail and Seanad Eireann. Donal, of course, made a huge impact within our Fine Gael party, building so many friendships along the way,” the Minister for Finance added. “Donal’s legacy of service and his contribution to Irish public life and to our Fine Gael family will always be remembered”.
Clare TD, Joe Cooney (FG) said Donal’s death brought “great sadness” to the county. “Donal dedicated his life to public service and to the people of this constituency,” he stated. “His work, particularly for rural renewal and the Gaeltacht, showed how deeply he was committed to supporting communities and safeguarding our heritage. Donal was a gentleman, loving father and grandfather, a committed public representative, and the embodiment of quiet, steady service to the people of Clare,” the O’Callaghans Mills native added.
Clarecastle GAA where Donal served in a number of roles including Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and President in a statement said, “We have lost a favourite son, one who leaves a legacy that will not be matched”.
Despite holding so many positions his “administrative service across decades does not do justice to his deep impact upon Clarecastle GAA Club. So much of our storied history, both on and off the field, simply would not have happened without Donal Carey. He achieved so much for his club, his village and county, yet did so with such grace, humility and good humour only reminds us how fortunate we were to call him our own.
“Flags at our Clubhouse and Commemorative Stone are flying at half-mast now, saluting Donal and recognising his peerless contribution to our club and our village. A servant of his people, we will be forever in his debt,” the statement added.
