DANIEL O’DONNELL PLUNGED INTO GRIEF AFTER DEATH OF BELOVED NEPHEW FRANKIE BOSCO O’DONNELL
The world of Irish country music star Daniel O’Donnell has been struck by sorrow following the death of his much-loved nephew, Frankie Bosco O’Donnell, at the age of just 47.
Frankie, the eldest son of John Bosco and Bridget O’Donnell, passed away after a battle with illness. A devoted husband and father of three, Frankie was well known in his community of Keadue, where he was not only a familiar face as a barman at Daniel’s former Viking House Hotel in Kincasslagh but also a central figure in local sport and community life.
Last November, Daniel had publicly appealed for prayers on his nephew’s behalf. “Please can I ask for prayers for my nephew Frankie who is very ill,” he wrote to his fans. “He is my brother John’s eldest son. Many of you will remember Frankie from when we owned the Viking House Hotel. He worked in the bar. Please pray for him and his wife and children and John, Bridget and Joey. Prayer is powerful and only God knows the future.” Sadly, those prayers were not enough to change the outcome.
Daniel, who is currently in Tenerife, is expected to return home for Frankie’s funeral. The grief-stricken family has been overwhelmed with tributes from across Donegal and beyond, reflecting just how beloved Frankie was. He is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Sarah, sons Logan and Ryan, his parents, his brother Joey, and extended family members who are mourning a life cut far too short.
Frankie’s influence extended well beyond his family. In Keadue, he was celebrated as a pillar of the community and a driving force at Keadue Rovers FC, where he most recently served as co-chairman. The club’s tribute captured his spirit: “Passionate, committed, hard-working and at the heart of any craic and slagging that was going – that was Frankie. The biggest GOAT that Keadue could have asked for.”
During his long service with the club, Frankie had been everything from a player on the reserve and senior teams to a juvenile coach, committee member, bingo stalwart, and, eventually, a leader at the helm of the club. Teammates and fellow volunteers recalled his unique ability to lift spirits at the lowest moments. “Many times when the club might have been struggling, it was Frankie who would sound the battle cry,” one tribute read. “Be it 3-0 down at half-time on a freezing Saturday, or during a tense committee disagreement, Frankie had an enthusiasm and a way with words — some not to be repeated — that made people feel ready to take on the world.”
That enthusiasm, they said, will be remembered forever: “Frankie’s voice will echo over Central Park forever more.”
The community is now preparing to say its final farewell. Mr O’Donnell’s remains are reposing at McGlynn’s Funeral Home in Dungloe, with rosaries and removal scheduled before his wake continues at his home in Keadue. Funeral Mass will be held on Sunday at 1pm in St. Mary’s Church, Kincasslagh, followed by burial in Belcruit Cemetery.
For Daniel O’Donnell, who has often turned to his music in times of personal loss, this is a particularly painful blow. Known for his deep connection to his Donegal roots and his strong family ties, the singer has spoken many times of the importance of family above fame. Now, as he joins his relatives in mourning Frankie, fans across Ireland and beyond are offering prayers and condolences, hoping to provide comfort to one of the nation’s most beloved entertainers during this heartbreaking time.