07/07/2025
We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our Festival Director, Murt McInerney yesterday. Murt was a founding member of the West Clare Drama Festival and it’s Festival Director since the start in1962. He also served as its Treasurer until recent years. He was always striving to improve the festival, ensuring we had the best facilities, and that the groups were well looked after. In recent times, when he was unable to be as hands-on as he would have liked, he would come to the hall every day for lunch to meet the groups and have the chat. We were delighted that he was able to attend the opening and closing ceremonies of this year’s festival.
He gave so much to drama. He was Chairman of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland on two occasions and a member of the NEC for 42 years, as well as being on the Munster Council. He was also the Director of Doonbeg Drama Group for a long number of years qualifying for the Confined All Ireland Finals on a number of occasions and coming second a few times. His performance as The Bishop in The Field will always be remembered and there weren’t too many in the hall who didn’t bless themselves at the end of his sermon!!
Outside of drama, Murt was a community man. He was involved in a wide range of community organisations, Sacristan in the church, member of the Parish Pastoral Council and Parish Finance committee, Doonbeg GAA Club, Doonbeg Community Development, Hall Committee, Doonbeg Bingo, He was also very involved with Fianna Fail & the FCA.
He leaves a huge void in our parish.
To his family - Francis, Aine, Michael, Catherine, Rita, Padraig, his extended family and wide circle of friends, we offer our sincere condolences.
Murt, you have gone home to God, may you Rest in Peace.
