*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

driver steering wheel car
Shannon driver fined & issued penalty points after telling four courts she didn't receive over 50 FCPNs
Darragh Pender at Ennis Court
Prison support sought for Carrigaholt robbery accused who has been in same clothes for a month
Shannon Airport (2)
Shannon Airport flying high with inclusion in €45m Regional Airports Programme
mary costelloe 3
'The Comp is a microcosm of Shannon's diversity & spirit'
Latest News
maria bridgeman michael collins rita mcinerney 1
Doonbeg's Rita elected Vice Chair of new Regional Health Forum
driver steering wheel car
Shannon driver fined & issued penalty points after telling four courts she didn't receive over 50 FCPNs
Aine Donegan Pic2
Donegan debuts down under in first professional outing
Darragh Pender at Ennis Court
Prison support sought for Carrigaholt robbery accused who has been in same clothes for a month
colaiste camogie 1
Coláiste chasing All-Ireland camogie glory
Premium
Donegan debuts down under in first professional outing
Prison support sought for Carrigaholt robbery accused who has been in same clothes for a month
Coláiste chasing All-Ireland camogie glory
Clare player ratings vs Kildare: Tony Kelly delivers first hurling clinic of 2026
Madden frustrated by how Clare used extra man but praises physicality & character of Banner charges

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie 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.