The scene of the fatal crash on the Welchtown road outside Ballybofey.
THE Funeral Mass will take place in his native Castlederg on Saturday morning of 53-year-old John O’Donnell who was killed following a crash near his home outside Ballybofey last night.
It is believed Mr O’Donnell, from nearby Curraghamone, died instantly following a collision between his red VW Caddy van and a 4×4 Toyota Landcruiser jeep at around 7:50 pm at Creggan, on the back road between Ballybofey and Welchtown.
Three other people were taken to Letterkenny General Hospital (LGH) by ambulance, including the driver of the jeep, where they were treated for minor injuries.
Married to a local woman Bernie (nee O’Donnell), Mr O’Donnell was originally from the Pollyarnon area of Castlederg, just over the border in County Tyrone.
Local Fine Gael Councillor, Martin Harley, knew the deceased well and described him as a “first class fella who worked day and night.”
“John was also a great community person and he will be sadly missed locally as well as further afield,” he said.
Mr O’Donnell is survived by his wife Bernie, sons Paul and Shaun and daughters Dominique and Emer.
He is also survived by his mother Margaret, father Con, brothers Liam, Dan, Paddy, Michael and by sister Rosena, as well as a large circle of family and friends.
The funeral will leave his home on Saturday morning at 10.20am for 11am Requiem Mass in the Church of Mary Immaculate, Stranorlar, followed by interment in St Patrick’s church cemetery, Castlederg.
Meanwhile, Gardai are appealing for anyone with information in relation to the collision to contact them at Ballybofey Garda Station on 074-9858530 or the Garda Confidential Line can be reached on 1800 666 111.
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