Margo O’Donnell Mourns the Loss of Her Nephew Frankie — “We’ve Lost a Pure Diamond” 💔
The Irish country music community is in mourning as beloved singer Margo O’Donnell pays tribute to her late nephew Frankie “Bosco” O’Donnell, who passed away in January after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. The Donegal native described her nephew as “a pure diamond,” saying the entire O’Donnell family has been left heartbroken by his passing.
Frankie, who was in his 40s, is survived by his devoted wife Lisa, their three children Sarah, Logan, and Ryan, as well as his parents John and Bridget O’Donnell, and his brother Joey. He was the nephew of country legends Margo O’Donnell and Daniel O’Donnell, who both spoke lovingly about the young man who fought his illness with quiet bravery and unshakable faith.
Reflecting on his funeral, Margo said the outpouring of love from their local community in Donegal was overwhelming. “It was like a State funeral,” she told the Sunday World. “There were people lined up along the road from Frankie’s house to the church, clapping as his coffin passed by. It was something I’ve never seen before in Donegal. It’s a true saying — their hearts are like their mountains in the hills of Donegal.”
Frankie was named after his grandfather, Margo and Daniel’s father, and she saw striking similarities between them. “Daniel has the spiritual side to him — he loves to sing the gospel songs. I can see my father in Daniel, but I could see my father’s double in Frankie,” she shared. “What has been taken from us is pure gold, but I wouldn’t wish Frankie to suffer one more second of what he suffered for those four years.”
Margo, who was especially close to her nephew, recalled that he affectionately called her “Mannie” since childhood. “He couldn’t say ‘Margaret’ when he was a wee boy, and it came out as ‘Mannie’ — that stuck for the rest of his life,” she said softly. “The week before he died, we had a photograph taken together by his wife Lisa. He pulled me close and said, ‘This will be the last photograph, Mannie.’ He knew he was going.”
In his final years, Frankie made cherished memories with his family. “I sent them to Disneyland,” Margo said. “And last May, he was able to take Logan and Ryan to see his beloved Celtic win the Scottish Cup final. That’s a wonderful memory they’ll always have with their dad.”
Through tears, she added, “We’ve lost a pure diamond. But we have to be grateful for the time we had him. We were blessed to have him.”
Her brother Daniel O’Donnell also shared his grief in a heartfelt message to fans on social media:
“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my dear nephew Frankie (Bosco) O’Donnell. Frankie passed away this morning surrounded by his family. He will be sadly missed by his wife Lisa, their children Sarah, Logan, and Ryan, his parents John and Bridget, and his brother Joey. Thank you for all your prayers over the past few months, and I would ask you to keep his family in your prayers at this very difficult time.”
The O’Donnell family’s loss has touched countless hearts across Ireland and beyond. Known for their generosity, humility, and deep faith, the family has long been a symbol of love and unity in the Irish music world.
As Margo so beautifully put it, Frankie’s light may have dimmed on earth — but his spirit, like the hills of Donegal he called home, will remain strong and shining forever.