Clare Island community in shock after death of local ferry operator Charles O'Malley (88) after car enters water
Mr O'Malley (88) lost his life when his vehicle entered the water at Glen, on Clare Island, on Tuesday afternoon.
He was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was removed to Mayo University Hospital, where a post mortem examination was due to take place.
Gardaí have appealed for witnesses but are said to be treating the matter as a tragic accident.
The 88-year-old from Strake on Clare Island was the proprietor of O'Malley Ferries and through his business activities was among the best known personalities in his native island.
Paying tribute to Mr O'Malley, Councillor Chris Maxwell described him as 'a pillar of the Clare Island community'.
'Charles was salt of the earth, a gentleman,' he said.
'People are devastated by this news. He was just a lovely man who had a kind word for everyone he met.
'He was a man of the sea and I used to love to hear his wonderful stories. He was a great businessman and a hard worker all his life. He built up that business to what it is.
'He was a wonderful seaman and a tremendous storyteller. He was a great friend of our family and I always loved his company.
'He has a lovely family and he doted on them all. He loved his wife Pauline.
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'He was active in his business until the end. He stepped back a little bit in the last few years but he was in good health.
'It's just so sad for his life to end in the way it did at his age.
'Everybody would have known Charles and his death is very shocking.'
Among those to pay their respects was Fr Denis Carney of Ballinrobe.
'Sincere sympathy to Pauline and family on the sudden death of Charles,' he said.
'I have many happy memories of him bringing me to and from Inishturk.
'He was a great man to chat and tell a story. We also worked together as trustees of the water scheme.
'He served the priests of the parish very well over many years and I know he was delighted when he was presented with the Bene Merenti medal from the Pope for his years of service. May he rest in eternal peace.'
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Westport Garda Station on 098 50230, the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
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