By Michael Devlin

LARGE numbers of mourners packed into St Eunan’s Church in Raphoe today for the funeral of Donegal boxing legend, Peter O’Donnell.

Attending from across Ireland, those present heard Fr Dinny McGettigan speak of an “esteemed man not only in this parish and community but far beyond.”

Peter O’Donnell, who dedicated much of his life to the sport he loved, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning.

President of the County Donegal Boxing Board since 2012, Peter was one of the leading figures in boxing in the north west.

Ahead of the Requiem Mass yesterday a number of items were brought onto the alter by members of Peter’s family. These included a building trowel to symbolise his work in the building trade; a pair of boxing gloves; a photo of Mr O’Donnell and his ‘iconic’ boxing mallet which he used to keep time at bouts. The Raphoe Boxing Club flag was also draped across the coffin.

“Peter died on Sunday morning after quite a short illness…” Fr Dinny McGettigan told mourners.

“I offer the holy mass today for a highly esteemed man, not only here in Raphoe but across Ireland.”

Speaking of his great love for the sport, Fr Dinny McGettigan referred to Mr O’Donnell as Donegal’s ‘Mr Boxing.’

As PRO of Donegal Boxing for many years, Mr O’Donnell became a valued friend of those working in local media in the north west, writing up his weekly boxing reports and ensuring that the sport received coverage in the papers and on local radio.

He had many friends in the sport not just in Ireland but beyond these shores. He was the ring announcer for many years at the National Stadium and also managed Ireland teams at a host of prestigious tournaments all over Europe.

He was a driving force behind his beloved Raphoe Boxing Club and played no small part in the careers of so many local boxers who went on to achieve major success at a national and world level.

“Peter was a beloved man, a cherished man to those who knew him and loved him,” Fr McGettigan said.

“He made a vast contribution especially in the realm of boxing. That was one of the big aspects of his life.

“He was a very dedicated father… and he kept the faith him and handed it onto his family. He died a peaceful death on Sunday morning having received the sacraments of the church.

“Peter… was a very likable and friendly man. His popularity is very evident today and indeed during the week as well, even from distant parts of Ireland.”

He continued, “He gave immense encouragement and time to the boxers.

“His influence is widely felt not only here in Raphoe. My own cherished memories of peter as regards boxing were at the local tournaments here in Raphoe. He made the tournaments…

“He had that ability to encourage, that ability to support and that ability to bring out the best in his boxers.

“It’s a wonderful legacy to leave behind.”

Peter will be lovingly missed by his wife, Pauline, his children, Rory (Orla), Edel (Donal), and Paul (Holly); his grandchildren, Caolin, Ryan, Amber, Zoe, Harper, Luca, and Gracie; his sisters and brothers, Mary, Willie, Jim, Hugo, Paul, Marjory, Sally, and Grainne, his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and all his extended family and friends.

He was predeceased by his mother, Madge and father, Willie.

Young Raphoe Boxing Club members await the arrival of the remains of Peter O’ Donnell to his beloved club.

Jason Quigley and Gary McCullagh.