RIP | Daniel O’Donnell Left Heartbroken by the Loss of His Beloved Nephew Frankie Bosco O’Donnell 💔
Tragic news has emerged from Keadue, Co Donegal, as Irish music legend Daniel O’Donnell mourns the heartbreaking loss of his cherished nephew, Frankie Bosco O’Donnell—a devoted husband, loving father of three, and a beloved figure in his local community.
Frankie, the son of Daniel’s eldest brother John Bosco O’Donnell and wife Bridget, passed away after a courageous battle with illness. His passing has sent shockwaves not only through his family but also across the tight-knit Donegal region, where he was deeply known and loved—not just as a relative of two iconic Irish performers, Daniel and Margo O’Donnell, but as a man of warmth, wit, and unwavering commitment to his community.
In November 2024, Daniel made a heartfelt appeal to fans around the world, asking for prayers as Frankie’s health declined. Many recalled his earlier days working behind the bar at Daniel’s Viking House Hotel in Kincasslagh—a time when his big personality and kind spirit left a lasting impression.
Perhaps nowhere was his influence more deeply felt than at Keadue Rovers FC, where he wore many hats: player, coach, committee member, bingo night volunteer, and most recently, co-chairman. In an emotional tribute, the club described him as “the biggest GOAT Keadue could have asked for—passionate, hard-working, and at the heart of every bit of craic and camaraderie.”
“Whether it was rallying the team at 3-0 down on a freezing Saturday or mending a rift in the clubhouse,” the club wrote, “Frankie had a fire in his words—and a way of making everyone feel ready to take on the world.”
He is survived by his beloved wife Lisa, daughter Sarah, sons Logan and Ryan, his parents, brother Joey, and a wide circle of family and friends who now face an unfillable void.
The community of Mullachdubh, where the O’Donnell family has long-standing ties, also paid tribute, remembering Frankie as “young, kind-hearted, and so dearly missed.”
Funeral Arrangements
Frankie will repose at McGlynn’s Funeral Home, Dungloe, on Friday at 5 p.m., with a Rosary at 8 p.m., followed by removal to his home in Keadue (F94 R584). The wake continues Saturday, from 10 a.m. with Rosary again at 8 p.m.
Funeral Mass will take place on Sunday at 1 p.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Kincasslagh, with burial to follow at Belcruit Cemetery.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Daniel O’Donnell, the entire O’Donnell family, and all those grieving the loss of a man whose spirit touched so many.
🕊️ May he rest in eternal peace.