Donal Carey has been described as a “giant of a man”, who always wanted the best for his community, his county and the next generation.
The former Minster of State and Clare TD passed away last night, at the age of 88.
The Clarecastle native was first elected to Clare County Council in 1974 and served as a TD for the Clare constituency from 1982 to 2002, while he also served as a Senator for the Labour Panel from 1981 to 1982.
In 1995, he was appointed by the Rainbow Government on the nomination of John Bruton as Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach with responsibility for western development and rural renewal and Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht with responsibility for the Gaeltacht, holding the posts until the change of government in 1997.
He’s survived by his sons Joe and Donal and daughter Leonora, grandchildren, brothers Seamus and Michael, sisters Mary and Margaret, extended family and a wide circle of friends.
His son Joe Carey was a Fine Gael TD for Clare from 2007 to 2024, while his daughter Leonora Carey ran for Fine Gael in the Clare constituency in last year’s General Election.
The Mayor of Clare, Clarecastle Fine Gael Cllr Paul Murphy, who is a close family friend of the Carey’s, has spoken of the importance of remembering Donal’s late wife Evelyn, who passed away in January 1993, quoting the old saying that “behind every great man is a great woman”.
Councillor Murphy has described Donal Carey as his “political hero” who was the epitome of public representation at its finest.
Listen to the full interview here
Fine Gael Leader, Tánaiste and Minster for Finance Simon Harris says Donal Carey’s “legacy of service and his contribution to Irish public life and to the Fine Gael family will always be remembered”.
“I am extremely saddened to learn of the passing of the late Donal Carey”, said Simon Harris in a statement to Clare FM.
“Donal was deeply committed to public service, dedicating well over 20 years of his life to the people of Clare, as a councillor, TD, Senator and Minister of State.
“He was someone who brought a real sense of kindness, humour and wisdom to the job, always willing to support younger colleagues who were starting out on their political journeys.
“Without doubt, one of Donal’s overriding passions was serving the communities and people of county Clare.
“Communities that will always Donal for ensuring their voices were heard in Dail and Seanad Eireann.
“Donal, of course, made a huge impact within our Fine Gael party, building so many friendships along the way.
“On behalf of Fine Gael, I extend my heartfelt condolences to all the Carey family at this very difficult time, including, Joe, one of Donal’s sons who also served with distinction in Dáil Éireann, and his daughter Leonora who ran in the last general election and has also given great service to the party down through the years.”
“Donal’s legacy of service and his contribution to Irish public life and to our Fine Gael family will always be remembered.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
