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14 Oct 2025

RIP: Former Mayor of Clare and long-standing Fianna Fáil Councillor Bill Chambers dies

The Cooraclare native served his community for 38 years before retiring in 2023

RIP: Former Mayor of Clare and long-standing Fianna Fáil Councillor Bill Chambers dies

Image via Ennis Fianna Fáil Comhairle Ceantair's Facebook page

Tributes have come pouring in following the sad passing of former Mayor of Clare, Bill Chambers. 

The Cooraclare native worked as a councillor with Fianna Fáil for 38 years before retiring in 2023. During his distinguished career, he served as Mayor of Clare in 2016 and was a Chair of the West Clare Municipal District. 

Mr Chambers passed away on Wednesday evening, August 13, leaving behind wife Marian, five children, a number of grandchildren, extended family and a large circle of friends. 

In a social media post, Cllr Ian Lynch paid tribute to the well-known man. 

He said, "It is with deep regret that we acknowledge the passing of Bill Chambers yesterday evening. Bill was a man of exceptional character, known for his integrity and kindness. He was a valued colleague within the council, a devoted family man and a pillar of the community.

"Bill exemplified the virtues of discretion and encouragement, always offering support and positive reinforcement. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family, who will undoubtedly feel his absence profoundly. May he rest in peace," he added. 
 
A spokesperson for the Ennis Fianna Fáil Comhairle Ceantair commented that Mr Chambers served his community of Cooraclare with "distinction" for nearly 40 years, attesting to his character. 
Also paying tribute following the sad news was Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe, who described the father-of-five as the "epitome of a gentleman." 
In a statement on social media, Mr Crowe said, "It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of former councillor Bill Chambers. First elected in 1985, Bill gave 38 years of stellar service to this county and I had the privilege of working for 16 of those years alongside him in the Council chamber.
"Bill was the epitome of a gentleman and was a diligent and hard-working representative on behalf of the constituents he represented over almost four decades of public service. His gentle approach to every dealing he had was emblematic of the man and he had a wonderful ability to cross party lines and cooperate with all those he dealt with."
The Fianna Fáil TD recalls how "extremely proud" Mr Chambers was to be elected as the first citizen of the county when he served as Mayor of Clare and reflected on how "delighted" he was to be working with the late man in 2023. 
"Bill leaves a legacy of hard work, honesty, compassion and integrity and his passing will be very strongly felt by all those who knew him. My thoughts are with Bill's loving wife Marian, his five children and wider family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam," Mr Crowe concluded. 
Funeral arrangements and Guard of honour details will follow. 

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