Frank J. Hugh O'Donnell

Who was Frank J. Hugh O'Donnell?

Frank J. Hugh O'Donnell was an Irish critic, playwright and politician.

O'Donnell was born at Milltown, County Galway in the late 19th century. He and his brother Patrick O'Donnell worked in the family business in Tuam before moving to Dublin to work in the clothing industry. He was a published critic of music, literature and theatrical performances, and wrote a weekly letter in the Gael, a weekly paper. He was also a playwright, having some of his works staged at the Abbey Theatre.

In 1943 he became a member of Seanad Éireann on the Industrial and Commercial Panel where he promoted Irish arts and culture. He lost his seat at the 1944 Seanad election, but was re-elected at the 1951 election. He was nominated by the Taoiseach to the Seanad in 1954.

He bore almost the same name as a contemporary politician, Frank Hugh O'Donnell, also from County Galway.