The Irish Boxing Family is mourning the passing of the Voice of Irish Boxing, Peter O’Donnell – the man whose dulcet and distinctive tones called tens of thousands of boxers to the ring in the home of Irish Boxing, and unveiled many thousands as IABA champions.
Peter has given decades of service to boxing, as a founder member of his beloved Raphoe Boxing Club, and as an elected official of Donegal County Board, where he was the serving President, and of Ulster Boxing Council. He is survived by 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.
Peter also represented Ireland on the international stage – was the joint Team Ireland Manager for the Monkstown International Box Cup in July, and he wa Team Manager for the 2024 European Junior Boxing Championships in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He led Team Ireland at the 2021 AIBA Men’s World Boxing Championships in Belgrade and was previously team manager at the 2015 European Elite Championships in Bulgaria.
Peter is, rightfully, held in high regard in his native Donegal, and is a multiple winner of Donegal Sports Star awards, including Team Manager of the Year and community appreciation accolades.
Tributes are being paid to Peter from across the Boxing Family.
IABA President, Anto Donnelly says ” Peter was the epitome of Irish Boxing – incredibly dedicated, devoted to his sport at club, county, provincial and national level. A kind and gentle man who gave decades of service to the sport he loved so well, with a vast store of knowledge of boxing lore. His voice was the Voice of Irish Boxing, and MC’d thousands of bouts across the decades. He will be terribly missed – on behalf of Central Council and the Irish Boxing Family, I extended my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace”
His club, Raphoe BC, Donegal, says “Our Dear Friend, Club President, Member of the Donegal Boxing Board and Founder of Raphoe Boxing Club “Mr Boxing” Peter ODonnell passed away peacefully in the early hours of this morning, surrounded by his loving Family at home in Raphoe, after a short illness.
Peter travelled the world for his love of Boxing, he was part of the Ireland Management Team, you would hear him mc at local, Ulster & Dublin Championships. You will be sorely missed Peter by the Boxing Family. Our sincere condolences to his Wife Pauline, Daughter Edel, Sons Rory and Paul, Son & Daughters in law, Grandchildren and extended Family and Friends.”
Ulster Boxing Council says “Devastating news this morning as boxing lost one of the greats. Legend is a word that is fired about very loosely at times but in every sense of the word Peter O Donnell was a Donegal, Ulster and Irish boxing legend.
Known for his infectious personality, quiet demeanour, invaluable boxing knowledge but most distinctly his world famous voice theres not a boxer in the country who doesn’t know and love Peter. Peter was a founding member of the Raphoe boxing club in Donegal, the current Donegal board president and Ulster boxing council member. His many years in the sport spanned many horizons as a coach, official, officer and team manager for many many boxers and teams.
Peters voice would be iconic throughout the country championed each boxer whether the won or lost. Peter would move on to be officer on the Donegal board (current president) member of the Ulster boxing council and become the first person from Donegal to be elected on to the IABA central council topping the overall poll showing his popularity throughout the whole country. Peter was team manager through every level of boxing right up to senior/elite World and European championships. Peter will sorely be missed by his wife and loving family, all at Raphoe boxing club and all in Ulster and Irish Boxing. RIP Peter O Donnell.”
Team Ireland’s European U15 Championship team, currently contesting in Budva, Montengro, have shared their sorrow at Peter’s passing through Team Manager, Stephen Connolly “Mr. Peter O’Donnell was the voice of Irish Boxing. A gentleman to all who knew him. The Team, including boxers, coaches and my co-Team Manager Bridget Scott, extend our condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace”
Beijing Olympian and silver medalist, Kenneth Egan says “Very sad, Peter was a boxing man to the core. He loved the National Stadium and will be part of its history for many years.”
Funeral Arrangements
The family home is private today, Sunday, October 19th. Peter will repose at his late residence on:
Monday, 20th October, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 21st October, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Rosary will be recited each evening at 9:00 p.m.
The funeral cortege will leave his late residence on Wednesday morning, 22nd October, at 10:00 a.m., travelling via The Boxing Club and The Diamond to St. Eunan’s Church, Raphoe, for 11:00 a.m. Requiem Mass, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. Extra parking available at SOS Tyres F93R6KW
Family flowers only please donations in lieu if desired to Irish Cancer Society c/o any family member or Kelly’s Funeral Directors, Oakfield Raphoe.
The Mass may be viewed on the Parish of Raphoe webcam via https://parishofraphoe.ie.