With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Frank O’Donnell, cherished colleague and dear friend of many who have worked in, and passed through the doors of, Nerney’s Court.  

Frank passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, this Monday 9th March, in the care of the staff of Beaumont Lodge Nursing Home.  

He is remembered by his IMPACT and Fórsa family of staff and members as a gentleman, a colleague, and a friend to each and every one who worked in Nerney’s Court, and to the many more who regularly visited. 

In recent days he has been described as “a gentle soul”, “one of a kind”, and “a great rebel”. General secretary Kevin Callinan remembers Frank as “the heart of our union building for many years” and “a good friend and a loyal colleague.” 

Frank was known for his kindness, his easy social graces, and how he took genuine care for the well-being of others.  

Senior PA Margaret Jackson, worked closely with Frank for many years. She remembers him as a dear friend and a “one in a million” who was “loved and treasured by all of us in his IMPACT family.” For Margaret, it was a great privilege to work with Frank, and “an honour to have had him as a true friend for many years.” 

Frank was a hard worker who earned a reputation for being totally reliable, with nothing ever being too much trouble for him. Deputy general secretary Éamonn Donnelly fondly remembers Frank’s “warm, soft human nature” and recalled that he was not without his own “understated brand of acerbic wit.” 

Frank loved working for IMPACT. Former IMPACT general secretary Peter McLoone said: “Frank was highly respected, and his contribution was much appreciated by members, and especially those who worked with him - the word 'cannot' never arose whenever you asked Frank if he could do something, it was done quietly and efficiently, without fuss.” 

Frank was proof that the work of a union isn’t all pay deals and placards. Sometimes it’s the quiet graft done away from the spotlight that doesn’t make it into annual reports and newspaper headlines. 

He was loved by his colleagues and loved them in return. Éamonn Donnelly remembers that Frank continued to participate in almost every staff social club event long after his retirement.  

For Éamonn, Frank showed how much he loved being around his colleagues through his regular participation in these events and remembers how “his presence illuminated all of us” at each event. 

His absence will be felt keenly by friends and colleagues at social club events this year.  

Frank’s funeral was well attended by friends and colleagues. The sun shone brightly as he was laid to rest in Glasnevin Cemetery on the afternoon of Wednesday 11th March. 

On behalf of all those who work and have worked in Nerney’s Court, we send our deepest sympathies to Simon who has lost a beloved brother, Aoife who has lost an incredible uncle, Bríd who has lost an irreplaceable friend, and to all friends, colleagues, and neighbours who feel Frank’s loss. 

To Frank, we echo Kevin Callinan’s words: “Farewell Frank and thanks for everything. Suaimhneas síoraí ort”. 

If you knew Frank and wish to leave his family a message of condolence, the online condolence book can be found here on rip.ie.  

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