Diocesan News
Statement of the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson Following the Death of Former Archbishop of Dublin, the Right Revd Dr Donald Caird
It is with intense sadness that we have learned today of the death during the night of the Right Reverend Dr Donald Caird, formerly archbishop of Dublin and bishop of Glendalough, having previously served as bishop of Limerick and Killaloe and bishop of Meath and Kildare in the Church of Ireland. As a diocesan family, we express our sympathy and our gratitude to his wife Nancy and to all members of his family. Dr Caird remained throughout his life a friend of all who knew him and of all he came to know. His affection for the people of Ireland and the Church of Ireland was unsurpassed. He loved the Irish language, was committed to it and excelled in it. In recent years he enjoyed the community of Brabazon House and was loved and cared for by its staff and residents and its chaplain, Canon Adrian Empey, with whom he shared a friendship since he was chaplain of Portora Royal School, Enniskillen.
He engaged personally, pastorally and intellectually with his environment and with its priorities. This commitment extended into all parts of his interaction with church and society, cultural and political life. His personality was characterized by a radiance of engagement that gave him great delight in other people throughout a long and cherished life. He will always be remembered for his contribution to the field of education and to critical understanding of everyday issues and to his championing of the Irish language as part of the weave of the Church of Ireland and of national life.
Countless individuals will have personal memories of Dr Caird. On a day such as this, these memories will come flooding back with warmth and with humour. The flourishing of others was the hearbeat of his humanity. Our prayers today are with his wife Nancy and all members of the Caird family. They have shared with us over countless decades a man who warmed our hearts and contributed richly to our lives.
“Tarrnocht a tháinig mé as broinn mo mháthar, Agus tarrnocht a fhillfidh mé inti arís. An Tiarna a bhronn orm, agus an Tiarna a rug uaim. Moladh le hainm an Tiarna.” Iób 1:21
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Dublin & Glendalough
087 235 6472
Mrs Lynn Glanville
[email protected]