There is huge sadness across Donegal following the sudden death of renowned swimmer and adventurer Henry O’Donnell.
Mr O’Donnell passed away suddenly yesterday.
The father-of-six, who was aged 58, was a native of Carrickfinn and later lived in Glencar, Letterkenny.
He lived a full life and had a keen interest in military affairs from a young age.
Henry joined the Irish Reserve Defence Forces aged 17 and joined the Irish Army to serve as a professional soldier a few years later.
He served for over 12 years with the Irish Defence Forces, including the Army Ranger Wing – Special Forces Unit and was part of the United Nations Military Mission in Lebanon during the war in 1986.
Swimming and the outdoors was his passion.
Last May he became the first man to finswim around Ireland, a journey of 1,569 kilometres or 847 nautical miles.
Henry raised more than €50,000 for various charities as part of the epic swim.
He was also an accomplished mountaineer and took part in numerous expeditions including climbing to the Summit & Circumnavigation of Aconcagua which is the highest mountain in the Americas at 6,960.8 meters (22,837 ft.)
He will be sadly missed by the many people he helped and gave advice to along the way.
Mr O’Donnell’s remains will repose at Mc Glynns Funeral Home Dungloe tomorrow Thursday 2nd from 2pm until 5pm with removal at 5pm to his home in Carrickfinn.
His wake at his home with house private from 10pm until 10am both nights.
His funeral mass will take place on Saturday at 11am in St Mary’s Star of the Sea Church Annagry with cremation at Lakelands Crematorium Cavan at a later date.
