A Doonbeg priest has told how Donald Trump once asked him to get him into heaven.
Fr Joe Haugh, 87, has also warned protestors to back off while the American President is in town.
Fr Haugh recalled his first meeting with Trump back in 2014, when he visited his west Clare golf resort.
He said: “When we were leaving he said, ‘Get me to heaven.’
“I certainly do [think he’ll get to heaven], he loves his neighbour, he’s done a lot for his neighbour.”
Now assistant priest at Doonbeg, Fr Haugh previously served as parish priest from 1995 to 2009 and said Mr Trump is “most welcome” on his visit back to West Clare.
He said there has been a boom to the local economy since word broke that the 45th US President would return.
He said: “It’s great. We have to realise there are 260 people working here in the summertime, there is no place else like that and three top restaurants.
“Anyone that does that for anybody’s place is worth respect.
“In a restaurant here in Doonbeg, 150 people came in for a meal, 150 people, that’s not happening everywhere and that’s only one night.”
The Trump follower has heavily criticised those who plan to travel down to Doonbeg to protest against the visit.
He told the Clare Echo: “They should leave us alone, we don’t interfere with their lives, leave us in peace. We’re law-abiding citizens down here in Doonbeg.”
The devoted Doonbeg man also revealed Donad Trump’s son, Eric Trump, has given him free membership to play golf at the swanky five-star resort.
He said: “My hobbies would be playing golf, I play golf.
“He [Eric] gives me free golf every year, I’m an honorary member.”
It is well-known around Doonbeg that Fr Haugh is an avid follower of American news channels to see what Mr Trump is up to.
He told the Clare Echo: “I like FOX news. I want to get a balance but I watch CNN and judge what is the news then.
“I don’t care what way he is portrayed by the international or national media, he’s doing a good job for America.”
