Obituaries Australia

Malachy O'Donnell, n.d.

from Pastoral Review and Graziers' Record, 16 May 1958

Mr. Malachy Joseph O'Donnell, of Ballindoun, Birchip, Vic., who died in a private hospital in Melbourne on the 21st April at the age of 66, was born at Birdsgrove, Birchip, and was the youngest of six sons and two daughters of the late Andrew and Catherine (nee Connelly) O'Donnell who were amongst some of the earliest pioneers of the Birchip and surrounding districts. His early agricultural and pastoral experience was gained on the family property, Birdsgrove, under his father and elder brothers.

Mr. O'Donnell, who was widely known and respected throughout Riverina, Victoria, and South Australia, owned various properties throughout the Birchip district and at his death was the sole owner of Ballindoun, one of the best and most highly improved properties in the district.

In his early days Mr. O'Donnell was a good footballer and was a keen supporter of the Birchip club to his death.

He was also very fond of a good horse and had won numerous races both in Melbourne and the country. His best horses were Bright Light, Lynlight, Cathbar and Gabion. Mr. O'Donnell was a bachelor. His brothers were Frank, Andrew and Charles (all deceased), John B., of Melbourne, and Joseph, of Birchip, and his sisters Mary Alice (Mrs. Patterson, of Sydney) and Henrietta (Mrs. Lord, deceased).