Tributes paid to former Strabane Chronicle columnist

MOURNERS gathered in St Mary’s Church in Derrybeg last Saturday afternoon for the funeral Mass of Donal K O’Boyle whose passing was met with deep sadness by all who knew him.

Mr O’Boyle, who wrote a music column for this newspaper for many years, was originally from Knockastolar, Gaoth Dobhair.

Chief celebrant at Saturday’s Requiem Mass, Fr Brendan Ward said Mr Boyle had touched the lives of many during his lifetime.

It was a life that began with him contracting polio at just three months old. His illness meant many of his childhood years were spent in hospital.

But as Mr O’Boyle got older, Fr Ward said he began to put his talents to use and often it was others who benefited from those talents.

He would go on to campaign for people with disabilities. He also took up typing and learned shorthand and then began a career in journalism.

He had a deep involvement in the music industry and there are countless bands, musicians and artists who availed of Donal’s advice and support as they made their first steps into the music industry.

“Donal saw talents in people that others didn’t,” Fr. Ward said.

“He knew what people needed to succeed in the music industry.”

In March, Mr O’ Boyle was honoured at the Hot Country Music Awards in Letterkenny with a special award for his outstanding contribution to Irish Country music.

The award was accepted on his behalf on the night by Donegal News editor Diarmaid Doherty who paid his own tribute.

“It was a great honour to be on stage that night and accept the award on Donal’s behalf,” Diarmaid said.

“There was a packed house at the event in the Mount Errigal Hotel and the reaction from the audience to the award just shows how popular Donal was.

“The following day, myself and our photographer Brian McDaid called with Donal to present him with the award. He was so happy to receive it and we spent a lovely time in his company with Donal chatting about some of his memories from times gone by.

“He will rightly be remembered as a legend of the music industry, not just in Donegal, but all around Ireland and there are so many top performers and household names who will have their own memories of the part Donal played in their successful careers.”

At Saturday’s funeral Mass, Fr Ward also mentioned the special relationship that Mr O’Boyle had with his carers and medical staff.

“He loved to chat to people and loved the company of the carers,” he said.

“He loved to share stories, talking about the concerts he was at and the musicians he knew.

“He was always in good form, and always with a smile on his face.”

Saturday’s Mass was concelebrated by Fr Brian O Fearraigh and burial took place afterwards in Magheragallon Cemetery.