*Donald Trump in Shannon Airport.

US President, Donald Trump has sent a letter of condolences to the family of the late Doonbeg priest, Fr Joe Haugh.

Fr Haugh died at the beginning of April, the former parish priest of Doonbeg had been in a Kilrush nursing home prior to his death.

An honorary member of Doonbeg Golf Club, Joe had praised the work done by President Trump at Trump Doonbeg stressing the benefits it brought with regard to local employment and the economy. Last June during the visit of President Trump to Doonbeg, Fr Haugh presented Eric and Donald Jnr with a framed photograph of Doonbeg Castle.

Haugh and Trump first met following the later’s acquisition of the West Clare resort. The businessman once said to the Coolmeen native, “get me to heaven”. During an interview with The Clare Echo last year, Fr Haugh expressed his belief that there is a place in heaven for Trump.

Fr Joe Haugh. Photograph: Louise Brooks.

In a letter sent on April 9th, President Trump passed on his condolences to Fr Joe’s brother, Tommy. “As you know, Father Joe meant a lot to me, my sons and the entire community. I have a lot of distinct memories of Father Joe including spending time with him in 2016 at Trump International when we reopened the course. Your brother provided a very special blessing that we all cherish very much”.

He added, “Father Joe’s loss will be felt deeply amongst all of us and we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to know him and spend time with him”.

Related News

SNNGroup_Frankfurt_2026-2
Shannon's inaugural flight to Frankfurt takes off this weekend
dinny gould 2
Dinny calls for Garda who allegedly pepper sprayed boy (14) to be 'reprimanded'
anthony whelan 1
Top European Commission role for Scariff's Anthony Whelan
shane kilcommins 1-2
Prof Kilcommins appointed UL President
Latest News
SNNGroup_Frankfurt_2026-2
Shannon's inaugural flight to Frankfurt takes off this weekend
clare v tipperary 19-04-25 cillian rouine 1
Rouine bringing the Ciller edge to new role as Clare captain
ballyea v clonlara 06-09-25 cathal tots o'connell jack browne darragh dillon 1
Sparks flying following club draws
dinny gould 2
Dinny calls for Garda who allegedly pepper sprayed boy (14) to be 'reprimanded'
waterford v clare minor 28-06-25 paul rodgers 2
Rodgers, Ball & Boyce start as Clare U20s make three changes
Premium
Rouine bringing the Ciller edge to new role as Clare captain
Dinny calls for Garda who allegedly pepper sprayed boy (14) to be 'reprimanded'
Top European Commission role for Scariff's Anthony Whelan
Three years 'a very short sentence' for grave Kilrush knife attack says judge
Rynne sets the way in second ever championship start for Clare hurlers

Annual Subscription Offer NOW ON!

The Clare Echo has launched a discounted annual subscription for just €39.99 a year. 

Prefer to pay monthly? Click the monthly option and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. 

Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.