Overview

• McDonald drowned on July 26 while swimming near the diving boards at Bundoran beach and was pulled from the water by RNLI volunteers before being pronounced dead at Sligo University Hospital
• His death at age 69 was announced on July 29 by drummer Pat Pattyn at the request of McDonald’s children, who asked for privacy as they shared the news
• Born Patrick Joseph O’Donnell, he formed The Bollock Brothers in 1979 and led the band through nine studio albums, four live records and 28 singles
• Charly Records released a statement conveying deep sorrow and highlighting that McDonald was working on new material, including a single and album, at the time of his passing
• His brother Gerry O’Donnell described his heartbreak and noted that Donegal was his brother’s chosen home, a sentiment echoed by fans mourning his loss