DANIEL O’DONNELL PLUNGED INTO GRIEF AFTER DEATH OF BELOVED NEPHEW FRANKIE “BOSCO” O’DONNELL — A FAMILY AND COMMUNITY MOURN A “PURE DIAMOND”
Donegal, Ireland — The O’Donnell family and the wider Donegal community are in mourning following the heartbreaking death of Frankie “Bosco” O’Donnell, beloved nephew of country music legend Daniel O’Donnell. Frankie, who was just 47 years old, passed away after a courageous battle with illness, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and dedication to his family and community.
The news has deeply affected Daniel and his relatives, who described Frankie as “one of life’s true gentlemen.” A much-loved figure in Keadue, Frankie was the eldest son of John Bosco and Bridget O’Donnell, and brother to Joey. He is survived by his devoted wife Lisa, daughter Sarah, sons Logan and Ryan, and a large extended family who adored him.
Daniel, who is currently in Tenerife, is understood to be returning home to attend the funeral and to support his grieving family. Speaking last year when Frankie first became seriously ill, Daniel had asked fans for prayers in an emotional social media post:
“Please can I ask for prayers for my nephew Frankie who is very ill,” he wrote. “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 now turn to comfort and remembrance, as family, friends, and fans prepare to say their goodbyes.
Frankie was well-known to many locals for his long service at the Viking House Hotel in Kincasslagh, once owned by Daniel. Over the years, he became a familiar, friendly face to both locals and visitors — always ready with a smile, a story, or a helping hand.
But his influence extended far beyond hospitality. Frankie was a pillar of his community, dedicating countless hours to Keadue Rovers Football Club, where he served in nearly every possible role — from player and coach to committee member and, most recently, club co-chairman.
In a moving tribute, Keadue Rovers FC described him as “the biggest GOAT that Keadue could have asked for,” adding:
“Passionate, committed, hard-working, and at the heart of any craic and slagging that was going — that was Frankie. Many times when the club might have been struggling over the years — either on or off the pitch — it was often Frankie who would sound the battle cry to get everyone motivated again. Be it at 3–0 down at half-time away to Drumbar on a cold Saturday in the late 1990s, or a disagreement at a committee meeting — Frankie had a way with words (some not to be repeated!) that got people back on board and ready to take on the world.”
The tribute concluded poignantly:
“Frankie’s voice will echo over Central Park forever more.”
Friends and neighbors have remembered him as a man full of warmth and good humor, someone who brought people together and inspired others with his positivity. One local described him as “a genuine soul who loved life, his family, and his town,” while another said, “You couldn’t meet a better man. He had time for everyone.”
Funeral arrangements have been set, with Mr. O’Donnell’s remains reposing at McGlynn’s Funeral Home in Dungloe from Friday at 5 p.m., with Rosary at 8 p.m., followed by removal to his home in Keadue (F94 R584). His wake will continue on Saturday from 10 a.m., again with Rosary at 8 p.m.. The Funeral Mass will take place on Sunday at 1 p.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Kincasslagh, followed by burial in Belcruit Cemetery.
For Daniel O’Donnell and his family, the loss is immeasurable. Having often spoken about the importance of family and faith, Daniel once described his nephew as “pure gold” — words that now echo with even greater poignancy.
Frankie’s passing leaves a void in both family and community life — but his memory, his laughter, and his love for Donegal will live on. As one friend put it simply: “We have lost a pure diamond — but heaven has gained a good one.”