A FORMER Archbishop of Dublin and noted Irish scholar, the Rt Revd Dr Donald Caird, died on Thursday of last week, after a long illness.

Dr Caird, who was born in Dublin in 1925, served as Bishop of Limerick, Ardfert & Aghadoe from 1970, until he was translated to the newly formed united diocese of Meath & Kildare, six years later.

He lectured in Philosophy at St Davids College, Lampeter, and at Trinity College, Dublin, and in the Philosophy of Religion at the former Church of Ireland Divinity Hostel, in Dublin.

In 1985, he was elected Archbishop of Dublin, where he worked to build up an ecumenical profile and was a supporter of the Church of Ireland’s Irish-language society, Cumann Gaelach na hEaglaise. After retiring, in 1976, he was Visiting Professor of the General Theological Seminary, in New York City.

Paying tribute to Dr Caird, the Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Richard Clarke, said: “All will recognise the wonderful service he gave to the Church of Ireland in so many ways, over very many years. Donald was loved and respected in equal measure.”

Dr Caird was buried at Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, after his funeral service in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, on Monday.

Obituary to follow.