THE Irish music scene has lost a long-time friend and much-respected music journalist with the passing of Donal K O’Boyle.
Donal, who lived at Cheshire Apartments in Letterkenny and was originally from Knockastolar, Gaoth Dobhair, died today in Letterkenny University Hospital.
News of his death will be met with great sadness among his many friends, and particularly all the bands, musicians and artists who availed of Donal’s advice and support as they made their first steps into the music industry.
He is best known in Donegal for his weekly music column in the Derry People, Donegal News that ran for several years.
In March, he was honoured at the Hot Country Music Awards in Letterkenny with a special award for his outstanding contribution to Irish Country music.
The award was accepted on his behalf on the night by Donegal News Editor Diarmaid Doherty who today paid his own tribute to Donal.
“It was a great honour to be on stage that night and accept the award on Donal’s behalf,” Diarmaid said.
“There was a packed house at the event in the Mount Errigal Hotel and the reaction from the audience to the award just shows how popular Donal was.
“The following day, myself and our photographer Brian McDaid called with Donal to present him with the award. He was so happy to receive it and we spent a lovely time in his company with Donal chatting about some of his memories from times gone by.
“He will rightly be remembered as a legend of the music industry, not just in Donegal, but all around Ireland and there are so many top performers and household names who will have their own memories of the part Donal played in their successful careers.
“At this time, we offer our sincere sympathy to Donal’s family and many friends.”
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
Donal’s remains will repose at Roarty’s Funeral Home, Derrybeg (F92 DN4X), this evening, Thursday, May 2 from 4pm until 8pm and on Friday from 3pm until 8pm. Rosary nightly at 8pm.
Funeral Mass on Saturday, May 4 at 2pm in St. Mary’s Church, Derrybeg (F92 H289), with interment afterwards in Magheragallon Cemetery.
The Funeral Mass can be viewed live on Kieran Roarty Funeral Directors Facebook page.
Predeceased by his parents Paddy and Nora, Donal will be sadly missed by his brothers; Finbarr, Vincent and Declan, sisters; Philomena, Gloria, Marion and Carmel, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
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