*Bill Chambers with his grand-son at the 2019 local elections.
FORMER MAYOR of Clare and a councillor for almost four decades, Bill Chambers (FF) has died.
Bill died peacefully on Wednesday evening, the father of five was deeply committed to his family and the community of Cooraclare and West Clare he represented during his lifetime.
He served for 38 years as an elected representative of Clare County Council. He was first elected in 1985 and tendered his resignation to the local authority in November 2023.
Indeed his last election in 2019 saw him receive his highest vote when he amassed 15.6 percent of the first preferences (1,431) in the Kilrush LEA. It surpassed his 1,266 first preferences in 1999 and 1,084 in 1985.
For both his first and last election, Bill was second from topping the poll with the late PJ Kelly (FF) topping the poll on both occasions. The duo who retired from politics within the space of eight months have sadly also died within the space of eleven months.
Elected Mayor of Clare in June 2016, Bill said that becoming first citizen of the county was always a lifelong political ambition of his. He became the first Cooraclare person to become Mayor of Clare, an achievement considering the likes of Johnny Daly, Tom Campbell, Bob Chambers and Micheál Chambers had been elected from the village.
Securing Cooraclare’s inclusion in a €50m pilot wastewater scheme in December 2023 stands out as one of his greatest political achievements. Both Cooraclare and Broadford were included but are still waiting for the scheme to progress.
A farmer, Bill was regarded as a quite gentleman. Within the local authority, he was noted as a reserved and calm figure who always offered a smile and gentle guidance. Speaking previously to this writer about his approach upon becoming Mayor of Clare, “The role of Chairman is to conduct the meetings, you won’t have all this talking to do, you have to implement standing orders and tis very easy once you stick by the rules but at the same time you have to be flexible, I won’t take in that much talking”.
Upon retiring from politics, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) was co-opted to take his seat on the Council and she subsequently topped the poll at the 2024 local elections in the Kilrush LEA.
Kilrush based Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) who served alongside Bill for nine years in the West Clare Municipal District said Chambers’ passing was acknowledged with “deep regret”. He stated, “Bill was a man of exceptional character, known for his integrity and kindness. He was a valued colleague within the council, a devoted family man, and a pillar of the community. Bill exemplified the virtues of discretion and encouragement, always offering support and positive reinforcement. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family, who will undoubtedly feel his absence profoundly”.
Funeral details will be announced
