Boxing legend Peter O’Donnell, an undisputed hall of famer, was given a heroes’ send-off today in Raphoe.
Peter (aka Wee Pete) passed away on Sunday morning after facing a short illness with the same level of valiance he encouraged in all those around him.
The 75-year-old will be forever remembered within the walls of Raphoe Boxing Club and at ringsides across Ireland and worldwide.
A ten-bell tribute took place at Raphoe Boxing Club this morning before Peter’s funeral cortège made its way through the Diamond to St Eunan’s Church.
In the church, the club’s flag that accompanied Peter to matches around the world was draped across his coffin by Gary McCullagh and Jason Quigley.
“There will never ever be another Peter O’Donnell,” said a eulogy from his grandson Caolin.
Peter’s unmatched passion and knowledge of boxing gained him admiration and affection wherever he went, from nurturing talents such as Jason Quigley to following Jude Gallagher to the Paris Olympics.
“He treated all clubs and boxers all the same. No matter who it was or where they were from, a word from Pete was guaranteed,” his grandson said.
“That distinctive voice and bright smile lit up boxing venues all across the world.”
Raphoe Boxing Club held a special place in Peter’s heart. “A place he helped build with his own hands and his head looks like a boxing museum thanks to Pete’s mileage, connections and eagerness,” his grandson said. “Even the recent extensions built on the club didn’t need a lick of paint, just another load of framed pictures, posters and paper clippings from Pete’s archives.”
Reflecting on his character, he said: “There was something about wee Pete that drew people in, he made everyone feel like they mattered.”
Even in his final days, Peter O’Donnell faced life as he always had, like a fighter. “He fought the last few weeks of his life as a boxer, he took the deadly uppercut of his diagnosis on the chin and kept fighting,” his grandson said.
He bowed out unbroken and unbeaten, simply because wee Pete was unbeatable.
“In boxing terms, wee Petesy was an undisputed hall of famer.”
He noted that, “even in death, wee Petesy looked the part, proud as punch in his green IABA blazer.”
“Now with the tea in him, and biscuits at the ready, he will have Heaven’s best ringside seat looking over the four corners of the world and the four corners of the ring,” Caolin said.
Fr Dinny McGettigan celebrated today’s Mass alongside Fr Oliver McCrossan, a friend of the Murphy and O’Donnell families, and Fr Kevin from the Waterside Parish of Derry.
Originally from Derry, Peter made his home in Raphoe and formed his trade in the building industry. His brickwork was legendary.
Fr McGettigan extended his deep sympathies to Peter’s loving wife Pauline, children Rory, Edel and Paul, brothers and sisters, Mary, Willie, Jim, Hugo, Paul, Marjory, Sally, and Grainne, his grandchildren and all his relatives
“Peter was a beloved man, a cherished man to those who knew and loved him,” said Fr McGettigan.
“My own cherished memories of Peter was at the local tournaments here in Raphoe. He made the tournaments. He was a gracious MC, encouraging the winners and was large-hearted towards the losers.
“He had that ability to encourage, to support, to bring out the best in his boxers, and that is a wonderful memory to have and a wonderful legacy to leave behind.”
Quoting scripture, Fr McGettigan said, “The words of St Paul can apply to Peter: ‘I have fought the good fight and kept the faith.’”
Mr O’Donnell was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery, but his legacy in Irish boxing and the love from his family will endure far beyond the final bell.
A fond final bell for ‘Mr Boxing’ Peter O’Donnell, who fought the good fight and kept the faith was last modified: October 22nd, 2025 by Staff Writer
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