*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

brian lyons clean ireland recycling 1
Surge in dumped battery & electronic devices sparks urgent fire warning
dromoland castle 1
Dromoland Castle lodge plans for speakeasy bar, new rooms and lakeside sauna cabins
shannon community partnership 1
Reinstating Shannon Diary among big wins of SCP
parteen basin 1
East Clare reps feel ignored over long-standing requests to meet Uisce Éireann & Gardaí
Latest News
dromoland castle 1
Dromoland Castle lodge plans for speakeasy bar, new rooms and lakeside sauna cabins
inagh:kilnamona v éire óg u21 07-12-25 shane woods noel hehir seán rynne 1
Woods hopeful Inagh/Kilnamona U21 win will be catalyst for future success
shannon community partnership 1
Reinstating Shannon Diary among big wins of SCP
parteen basin 1
East Clare reps feel ignored over long-standing requests to meet Uisce Éireann & Gardaí
smith o'briens gaa 1-2
Father convicted of assault but escapes jail for head-butting another Dad at Killaloe GAA grounds
Premium
East Clare reps feel ignored over long-standing requests to meet Uisce Éireann & Gardaí
Father convicted of assault but escapes jail for head-butting another Dad at Killaloe GAA grounds
O'Brien to continue as Clare camogie chairperson with one change to Executive
Meelick man found 'butt-naked & out of his mind' on magic mushrooms
Full marks for Seán Rynne to complete rare U21A double

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.