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Tributes to Right Revd Donald Caird
The death has taken place of the Right Revd Prof Donald Caird, a former Archbishop of Dublin (1985-96), Bishop of Meath & Kildare (1976-85) and Bishop of Limerick (1970-76). He was aged 91.
Bishop Donald Caird had served as Chaplain and Assistant Master at Portora Royal School, Enniskillen, for a number of years until 1957 after serving as a curate in St. Mark’s Parish Church, Dundela in the early 1950’s.
The Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, paid the following tribute: 'So many will be saddened by the news of the death of Bishop Donald Caird, who all will recognise gave wonderful service to the Church of Ireland in so many ways over very many years.
“Donald was loved and respected in equal measure and I wish to extend the sympathies of the Church of Ireland to Nancy and his family. May they know God’s comfort at this time of loss.”
Bishop of Clogher, Right Revd John McDowell also paid tribute to him.
He said: “According to his biographer, Donald was not a natural school teacher, at least in terms of keeping order. However he was genuinely interested, both in the boys and in almost any intellectual pursuit.
“He was Archbishop of Dublin when I was studying for orders in TCD and preached from time to time in College chapel. He had a rather mischievous fawn-like manner. Before going to Portora Donald had been a curate in St. Mark’s, Dundela in the early 1950s, where I was rector in the 2000s, and was remembered as quite a character by some of the older parishioners.
“He visited the parish for the first time since the 1950s with his biographer (Aonghus Dwane) when I was still rector and we spent a wonderful day reminiscing about his curacy years.”
“He was marvellous man and in his own understated way a formidable bishop - also of course a genuine gaelgóir who loved the language for its richness of expression. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis,” said Bishop McDowell.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.