The south Donegal community is today mourning the loss of a hugely valued member of the community – Frankie O’Donnell.
Mr O’Donnell of Creevy, Rossnowlagh Road, Ballyshannon, passed away peacefully at his home.
He was an Advanced Paramedic, a former firefighter and lifeboat member.
Frankie was a well-known to many through his work and his pasttimes on the theatre stage and the rugby pitch.
Above all, he was a family man, and thoughts have gone out to his wife Lisa, his beloved children Shannon, James and Emma, his brothers and sisters and the extended O’Donnell/Muldoon family at this sad time.
Frankie’s life passion was to help others. He served as driver/mechanic with Ballyshannon Fire Brigade for many years and then went on to reach high in the ranks of the National Ambulance Service with the crews of Rescue 118. He also volunteered on the life-saving crew of the RNLI Bundoran Lifeboat Station.
Tributes have poured in today from Frankie’s work colleagues, his theatre family and his sporting friends.
The Bundoran Fire & Rescue Service DL18 wrote: “Frankie you will always be a gentleman and good friend in our hearts and will never be forgotten. It was always a pleasure to work along side you both in the Fire Service and the National Ambulance Service. We will all miss you. A life taken to soon. Rest in Peace Frankie.”
The RNLI Bundoran Crew said: “Frankie was well known in the area and even after he left the lifeboat we still had plenty of interaction with him through his work at the Donegal Fire Service and National Ambulance Service. Our condolences to his wife Lisa, their children and wider family and circle of friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
The Abbey Arts Centre Pantomime cast are mourning the loss of “a larger than life, fun, caring and compassionate person, who touched the lives of all he met, whether that was in his role as an Ambulance Paramedic, on the rugby field, or in the theatre.”
“Frankie was the heart and soul of the Abbey Arts Panto, and had the talent of lighting up a room when he walked in, with his witty humour, love of the craic, and his big laugh! He looked out for us all as only Frankie could. The lives of the cast and crew were all the richer while Frankie was around.”
Donegal Town RFC added their condolences and said: “Frankie was a powerful and committed competitor when playing rugby for Ballyshannon and also played for Donegal Town on a number of occasions. He was a great character who always has a big smile and a friendly word and gave a great deal of time and effort to the promotion of rugby in South Donegal.”
The late Mr O’Donnell will be laid to rest on Wednesday.
Frankie will repose from 1.00pm until 8.00pm on Tuesday. Family home strictly private at all other times. Removal on Wednesday morning at 10.15am, via Jim White Road, going to Saint Patrick’s Church, Ballyshannon, for 11am requiem Mass, followed by burial in Abbey Cemetery.
Family, close relatives & work colleagues are welcome to attend the funeral, due to church numbers, but are reminded to be mindful of hand sanitizing and social distancing.
The family very much appreciate your support and co-operation during this difficult and sad time.
Mass can be viewed on https://www.churchservices.tv/stpatricksballyshannon
