08/06/2026
The Board and staff of Moy Valley Resources IRD is deeply saddened by the passing of Ernie Caffrey, a founding director of our organisation, a role he fulfilled for over three decades. He retired from this position in 2023.
His contribution to the organisation and to the communities of North Mayo and West Sligo leaves a legacy that will endure.
We remember him with deep gratitude and offer our heartfelt sympathies to Liam, Declan, Elizabeth and Miriam, his extended family, friends and former colleagues.
A businessman in Ballina, he lived in the town throughout his life.
He was involved in local politics representing Fine Gael as an elected member of Ballina Urban District Council and later of Mayo County Council. He was the chairman of Ballina UDC at the time that Ballina was twinned with the French town of Athis-Mons in 1994.
Ernie was elected to Seanad Éireann as a member of Fine Gael and was highly respected as a Senator between 1997 and 2002, creating a network of connections based on collaboration, service, respect and forward momentum.
Colleagues from Moy Valley Resources IRD remember a man, who was a central figure in the creation of the organisation in 1990, at a time when unemployment and emigration in North Mayo/West Sligo were over 30%.
He is recalled as an ‘exceptional’ man. He excelled especially in a quieter role behind the scenes. His connections in local and national politics were of great benefit to his colleagues at a time when they were trying to make progress and build the community development organisation. It was this aspect as well as his strong vision, ability to reflect, plan and analyse that lead to many achievements. Colleagues attribute to Ernie a central role in creating the positive conditions which allowed Moy Valley Resources IRD to have the stature to be accepted as an animating partner for LEADER in the 1990s, a role it holds, in service of North Mayo/West Sligo to this day.
Among the appreciations of board and management colleagues in Moy Valley Resources IRD are the following:
“As a colleague, he was remarkable, incredible.” (For further appreciation by colleagues, see first comment below).
His talents of intellectual assessment and political relationship as well as the respect that others had for him, created opportunities and opened doors.
Colleagues remember a man who was selfless in the service of the community and who was interested in progression.
“The likes of him will not be seen again.” This is especially true in his dedication to the importance of personal relationships in political and social life.
From his sixties onwards, he took a great interest in personal fitness and attended the Over-70s games worldwide. This aspect of Ernie’s life is testament to his vibrancy and was inspirational for many of those who had the privilege of following his progress.
We are truly grateful for Ernie’s service, commitment and friendship.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
