Clare Island community in shock after death of local ferry operator Charles O'Malley (88) after car enters water
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
'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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
19-06-2025
- Irish Independent
Wexford man awarded Benemerenti medal from Pope Leo XIV for decades of service to the parish
Dick Walsh was surrounded by family and friends in St Senan's Church in Enniscorthy earlier this month as he received the accolade from Bishop Ger Nash. 'Bene Merenti' is a Latin phrase for 'well-deserving' or 'well-earned.' The medal is a great honour and is given to individuals by the Pope, both clergy and laity, who have made significant contributions to the church. Speaking on receiving the award, he said it was a great honour: 'I was very grateful to receive the Benemerenti during the vigil Mass last weekend here in St. Senan's Church. It was a wonderful occasion made special by the presence of my family, brothers, relations and parishioners.' "A special word of thanks to Bishop Ger, Bishop Denis, Fr. Tom, Fr. James, Fr. Billy, Fr. Paddy and Deacon Dermot for their support and kindness, and all those I have come in contact with over the years. Also, the Choir, John, the ladies for the beautiful refreshments we received after Mass in the Community Centre and all those who helped in any way to make the occasion so special,' he added. A representative of the church said that Dick had contributed to the parish at a very high level. "Throughout the years, Dick has been deeply involved in all aspects of parish life. His contributions include organizing and assisting with fundraising projects, always offering his help wherever needed. One of his daily acts of service, which he undertakes quietly and without fuss, is the opening and locking of the church—a role he has carried out with unwavering commitment.' At present, he continues his service as a Eucharistic Minister and Cross Bearer for funerals, and he frequently fulfils the role of voluntary Sacristan. His presence and dedication have been, and continue to be, an invaluable support to the many priests who have ministered at St. Senan's. 'For these reasons, and many more, we sincerely believe that Dick's tireless voluntary work over the years makes him a most deserving candidate for this pontifical honour. It is with great respect and appreciation that we submit this application for the Benemerenti Medal in recognition of his lifelong service,' they added.
Irish Independent
10-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Late Co Wicklow man met the love of his life in Canada
After a brief battle with cancer, Tom passed away on Easter Sunday at the Edmonton Covenant Care Centre aged in his nineties. Tom was born in Bluestone House, Dunlavin in 1932 to Charles and Rosanna Daynes. He grew up on the family farm and emigrated to Ontario, Canada in 1957. He worked on several farms before qualifying as a motor mechanic. He married the love of his life Kay in his forties and they moved to Edmonton, Alberta, where he remained living until his passing on Sunday, April 20. Kay died in October of 2014. Tom's funeral mass was held in St. Clare's Catholic Church, Edmonton, on Tuesday, April 29, followed by his burial at Holy Cross Cemetery. Tom was predeceased by his wife Kay, his parents Charles and Rosanna and all his siblings, May (Harney), Edie, Alice (Coogan), Ogie (Whittle), Kit, Billy, John and Charles. Tom leaves behind his stepchildren Steve and Bev Hawes and their children Graham (Bethanie) and Courtney (Phil), Jan and Nick Zarycki of Rivercourse, Alberta and their children Dani (Forrest) and Haley (Brett) and one great granddaughter Kensie, 14 nieces and nephews in Ireland, Spain and Australia.
The Irish Sun
09-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Heartbroken family of ferry operator who died after car entered water issue emotional message ahead of special funeral
THE heartbroken family of a well-known ferry operator who died after his car entered the water on Tuesday have issued an emotional thank you message. Charles O'Malley 1 Charles O'Malley sadly passed away after his car entered the water on Tuesday afternoon Credit: The 88-year-old, who was better known as Charles Gerry, was sadly A notice online told how he will be "sadly missed and remembered with love" by his wife Pauline, daughters Bernie, Maria and Cathriona, sons Charles and Gerard and brothers Michael and Josie. It said Charles will also be mourned by his grandchildren and wider family, alongside his "wide circle of friends, the Island community and the many generations of people he skippered to Clare Island". Following the tragic accident, Charles' family issued a special message of thanks to all those who assisted them and Charles on the day of the incident. READ MORE IRISH NEWS It said: "The O'Malley family will be forever grateful to all those who assisted them and Charles on Tuesday May 6th, An Garda Siochana, the Coast Guard, Achill RNLI, and the Island community." Charles reposed at Sweeney's Funeral Home in Louisburg yesterday, concluding with vigil prayers at 7pm. This was followed by removal to his home via Roonagh Pier, where Charles travelled home on his own boat the 'Tormore'. Removal from his home today will take place at 12:30pm, to arrive at the Church of the Sacred Heart on Clare Island for a 1pm mass. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN Boats will depart Roonagh Pier at 10:45am and 12pm today and leave from Clare Island at 4:30pm, 6pm and 8:30pm this evening. Charles' family has requested family flowers only, with donations to the Charles, who was the proprietor of O'Malley Ferries, has been remembered by mourners as a "wonderful seaman" who "always had a smile and a warm welcome" for those visiting Clare Island. I'll never forget his big smile and hearty welcome every year I returned to Clare Island". Mourner One person said: "The loss of Charles Gerry to our Island is immeasurable. "A man whose work ethic built up a powerhouse which now continues on by his sons and daughters and, especially, his grandchildren. "He has skippered us all - 4 generations - with that glint in his eye and laughter. "My love to Pauline and all his family. As my late father used to say 'we'll never see the likes of him again'." Another mourner added: "Charles Gerry always had a smile and a warm welcome for me every time I went into the island. "His gentle presence will be very much missed. Ar dheis Dé ar a anam." A third said: "Charles will be missed by so many. He was warm and kind - a true gentleman. "I'll never forget his big smile and hearty welcome every year I returned to Clare Island; even as far back as when I was a kid, going back to the island with my mother." A spokesperson said: "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."
