Margo O’Donnell Opens Up About Nephew Frankie Bosco’s Death: “We Have Lost a Diamond”
In a deeply emotional tribute, Irish country music legend Margo O’Donnell has spoken publicly about the devastating loss of her nephew Frankie Bosco O’Donnell, who passed away last month after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. Frankie, the eldest grandchild in the O’Donnell family and the only one named after their father, Francie, was just shy of his 48th birthday.
Describing Frankie as “the cut of my father,” Margo reflected on his spiritual nature, resilience, and the deep bond they shared. “What has been taken from us is pure gold,” she said, her voice heavy with sorrow. “But I wouldn’t wish Frankie to suffer one more second of what he suffered.”
The beloved Keadue native and father of three – Sarah, Logan, and Ryan – was remembered not only as Margo’s cherished nephew but as a pillar of his community. A co-chairman of Keadue Rovers FC and a diehard Celtic supporter, Frankie’s funeral drew crowds rarely seen in Donegal. “It was like a State funeral,” Margo recalled. “People lined the road from his home to the church and clapped as his coffin passed. It was something I had never seen before.”
Frankie’s connection to the O’Donnell musical dynasty was also personal; he worked for a time at the Viking House Hotel, once owned by his uncle, Daniel O’Donnell, who last year publicly asked fans for prayers on Frankie’s behalf.
In the days leading up to his passing, Margo spent precious time with Frankie and his family. She recounted a poignant moment: “The week before he died, we had a photo taken together. He pulled me close and said, ‘This will be the last photograph, Mannie.’ He knew he was going.”
Frankie’s memory is now etched in the hearts of his family, the Keadue community, and his beloved football club. In an emotional statement, Keadue Rovers FC described him as “the biggest GOAT Keadue could have asked for,” praising his passion, leadership, humor, and years of dedicated service as a player, coach, committee member, and clubman.
Margo, who called him “a diamond,” said his death reminded her of the enduring power of faith, family, and community. “He had that same spark of soul and kindness as Daddy. And now he’s gone… but his light hasn’t gone out—it just moved on.”
Frankie Bosco O’Donnell is survived by his wife Lisa, children Sarah, Logan, and Ryan, his parents John Bosco and Bridget, his brother Joey, and an extended family that continues to honor his legacy with love and pride.