Daniel O’Donnell and his family have been left heartbroken following the death of their family member

Frankie, who was just 47-years-old, was Daniel’s nephew and was well-known as a barman at Daniel’s former Viking House Hotel in Kincasslagh.

A son of John Bosco and Bridget, the father-of-three passed away following a battle with illness.

Last November, Daniel appealed to fans to pray for Frankie.

At the time he asked fans: “Please can I ask for prayers for my nephew Frankie who is very ill.

“He is my brother John’s eldest son. Many of you will remember Frankie from when we owned the Viking House Hotel. He worked in the bar.

“Please pray for him and his wife and children and John, Bridget and Joey. Prayer is powerful and only God knows the future.”

Daniel is currently in Tenerife but is understood to be returning home for his beloved nephew’s funeral.

Frankie is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Sarah, sons Logan and Ryan, his parents, brother Joey and extended family.

The late Mr O’Donnell was a pilar of the community in Keadue and was co-chairman of Keadue Rovers FC.

The club paid tribute to Frankie as “the biggest GOAT that Keadue could have asked for”.

“Passionate, committed, hard-working and at the heart of any craic and slagging that was going – that was Frankie,” said a tribute from Keadue Rovers FC.

“During his long-tenure with the club Frankie served as a player with both reserve and senior teams, juvenile coach, reserve and senior team coach, committee member, bingo stalwart and most recently club co-chairman.

“Many times when the club might have been struggling over the years – either on or off the pitch – it was often Frankie who would sound the battle cry to get everyone motivated again. Be it at 3-0 down at half-time away to Drumbar on a cold Saturday in the late 1990s with the reserves, or a disagreement at a committee meeting in the clubhouse.

“Frankie had an enthusiasm and a certain way with words (some not to be repeated!) that got people on-board and feel like they were ready to take on the world.

“Frankie’s voice will echo over Central Park forever more.”

Daniel also took to social media to pay a heartfelt tribute to his nephew.

The singer wrote: “It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my dear nephew Frankie (Bosco) O Donnell. Frankie passed away this morning surrounded by his family.

“He will be sadly missed by his wife Lisa and their children Sarah, Logan and Ryan, his parents, my brother John and his wife Bridget and Frankie’s brother Joey and all the extended family.

“Thank you for all your prayers over the past few months and I would ask you to keep his family in your prayers at this very difficult time.”

Mr O’Donnell’s remains are reposing at McGlynns funeral home Dungloe on Friday at 5pm with Rosary at 8pm followed by removal to his house in Keadue.

His wake will continue on Saturday from 10am with Rosary at 8pm.

His funeral mass will take place on Sunday at 1pm in St Mary’s Church Kincasslagh followed by burial in Belcruit cemetery.