LAST UPDATE | 7 May 2025

TRIBUTES ARE BEING paid to a man who died after his car entered the water at Clare Island in Co Mayo on Tuesday afternoon.

Gardaí say they and emergency services had rushed to the scene of the “single-vehicle fatal road traffic collision” at Glen. 

“A car entered the water at approximately 1pm on Tuesday 6 May and the driver, a man aged in his 80s, was pronounced deceased at the scene,” a Garda spokesperson said.

The deceased has been named locally as Charles O’Malley (88) better known as Charles Gerry, of Strake, Clare Island. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Locals said that Charles was a ”thorough gentleman” who welcomed everyone to the island. He was a great fan of country music and was also very good to visiting priests. Paying tribute, family friend Fr Patrick Mullins from Tuam said: “I always had a word with him when I visited the Island and he was always in great form. A great loss to his family and Clare Island.”

Another family friend, Fr Denis Craney from Ballinrobe, said “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.”

He is survived by his wife Pauline, daughters Bernie, Maria, and Cathriona, and sons Charles and Gerard.

Charles will rest in repose at Sweeney’s Funeral Home, Louisburgh on Thursday from 5pm, concluding with Vigil Prayers at 7pm, followed by removal to his home via Roonagh Pier, where Charles will travel home on his own boat the “Tormore” and will repose at his home in Strake from 9:30pm on Thursday night. 

The removal will take place on Friday from his home at 12.30pm, to arrive at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Clare Island for 1pm Mass of Christian Burial, followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery.

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.