*Bill Chambers (FF). Photograph: Eamon Ward
FLAGS are flying at half mast while tributes from across the political divide have been paid to former councillor 38 years, Bill Chambers (FF).
Bill died peacefully on Wednesday evening at St Senan’s Nursing Home in Kilrush.
First elected to Clare County Council in 1985, serving as an elected representative for thirty eight years until his retirement from politics in November 2023.
Among the highpoints of his political career was becoming Mayor of Clare in June 2016.
Big crowds are expected in Cooraclare this weekend for his funeral. He will repose at St. Senan’s Church, Cooraclare this Saturday evening (August 16th) from 5pm to 7pm with funeral mass on Sunday (August 17th) at 12:30pm followed by burial in Kilmacduane Cemetery.
This weekend, the Irish and Clare flags are flying at half-mast at Áras Contae an Chláir as a mark of respect to Bill. Elected members of Clare County Council and members of the Executive will provide a guard of honour following Sunday’s funeral mass.
Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) said he learned of Bill’s death “with great sadness”. He stated, “Bill gave 38 years of stellar service to this county and I had the privilege of working for 16 of those years alongside him in the Council chamber. Bill was the epitome of a gentleman and was a diligent and hard-working worker on behalf of the constituents he represented over almost four decades of public service. His gentle approach to every dealing he had was emblematic of the man and he had a wonderful ability to cross party lines and cooperate with all those he dealt with”.
Deputy Crowe added, “Bill leaves a legacy of hard work, honesty, compassion and integrity and his passing will be very strongly felt by all those who knew him. My thoughts are with Bill’s loving wife Marian, his five children and wider family”.
Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) who was co-opted to the Council following Bill’s retirement said, “I was so very sorry to hear of the passing of former Councillor Bill Chambers. Bill served West Clare with dedication for nearly 40 years. A true gentleman who did everything he could for his constituents and his community. Bill had great integrity and kindness with a sense of fun. He was very generous with his time in all his support to me when working together for the community or the Fianna Fáil party. It was an honour to assume Bill’s seat on Clare County Council when he made the decision to retire in late 2023. It was a privilege to follow in his footsteps and continue the work he began”.
Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) recalled, “Bill was a gentleman of the highest order. He was a great mentor to me when I started in Clare County Council”. Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) stated, Bill was a gentleman and a great friend.
Bill was “one of life’s gentlemen who will be missed by many,” Cllr Mary Howard (FG) noted.
Fianna Fáil strategist and director of elections, Gerry Reidy thanked Bill for his “guidance and advice over the years”.
Bill is sadly missed by by his loving wife Marian (nee Dillon), cherished father of Maura, Olivia, Eoin, Niamh and Brian. His brother Tom, sister Breda, his adored grandchildren Aaron, Ellen, Adam, Isabelle, daughter-in-law Ciara, son-in-law Micheal, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and a large circle of friends and all his colleagues in Clare County Council. He is predeceased by his sister Mary, brother Denis, niece Susan, nephew Sean and brother-in-law Marty.
