Tributes are being paid today to one of life’s true gentlemen and genuine sportsmen, Peter O’Donnell.
A giant of the sport of boxing, the 75-year-old passed away at his home at Demesne, Raphoe in the early hours of this morning surrounded by his loving and heartbroken family.
Originally from Derry, Peter made his home in the east Donegal village.
Over the years he became known as a keen boxing fan going on to co-found the Raphoe Boxing Club.
But it should also be stated that Peter O’Donnell gave much and more to his community, neighbours and friends.
It was ironic that ‘wee Peter’ would have been ringside for last night’s Rumble In The Hills, Rising Stars pro boxing show at the Aura Leisure Complex in Letterkenny had he have been in better health.
Instead, there was an empty seat with Peter’s name on it, honouring a man who sat at hundreds if not thousands of boxing matches around the world in his time.
As the ring was being taken down, the floors swept and the seats put away, Peter decided that he had thrown his last jab in the early hours of today.
Peter O’Donnell receiving a presentation from Grace Boyle (Chairperson Donegal Sport Star Awards Committee) and Caorthlaith of Donegal, Cllr Niamh Kennedy. Also in photo os Donegal County Council Director Micheál McGarvey. (North West Newspix)
He stepped out of the ring on his terms, the same way he led his life.
He fought as gallantly as he could after suffering an illness he could just not overcome in recent months.
A talented and hard-working builder, retirement was never an option for Peter just because he might have reached a certain age.
He build many homes for many families across Donegal and was known for his attention to detail and kindness to young couples starting out in life.
However, he will be remembered mostly for his unwavering contribution to the sport of boxing.
And it was always a sport for Peter.
While boxing may attract the attention of many because of the glitz and glamour of the occasion, it was always about the sport and the art of boxing for Peter.
Peter with boxer Wayne McCullough in 1992
His many roles and contribution to the sport are well-documented, serving in many positions including that of President of the County Donegal Boxing Board since 2012.
That contribution is summed up well in Chris McNulty’s 2021 book ‘Boxing In Donegal: A History.”
Peter helped so many youngsters’ personal development and ensured they went down the right road when some might have instead taken another route on life’s journey.
He also helped to nurture the talent of so many gifted boxers including the likes of Danny ‘Boy’ Ryan in times gone by and more recently Jason Quigley.
Alongside Danny’s late father Brendan and Strabane boxing coach Tommy Stewart, Peter helped lead Danny to one of Donegal’s most famous boxing nights when Danny beat Denis Galvin to claim the the Irish middleweight final at the National Stadium in March, 1993.
Peter was in Quigley’s corner alongside Conor Quigley when he lost to Darren O’Neill in his first Irish Elite final in 2010.
Anthony McFadden (left) with Peter O’Donnell and Danny Ryan
He would go on to loyally follow Quigley around the world as he carved out a successful pro career.
Condolences go to Peter’s beloved wife Pauline and to sons Rory and Paul, daughter Edel, grandchildren, great-grandchild and a wide family circle and countless friends.
To meet Peter O’Donnell was always a joy.
To say goodbye is difficult, the only consolation being the wonderful life which Peter led during his time in this life.
In his own inimitable parting words – “cheerio, Peter, cheerio.”
Donegal boxing mentor and Raphoe boxing stalwart Peter O’Donnell with Jason and then chairman of Donegal County Council, Ciaran Brogan.
Sadness as Donegal and Irish boxing learns of loss of Peter O’Donnell was last modified: October 19th, 2025 by Staff Writer
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