It is with the deepest sorrow that we inform you of the very sad and sudden passing of our much loved publisher, Donal McDonald. At only 48 years old, Donal died in San Diego, USA, shortly before IPC APEX on the 12th February 2017.

Donal came from one of Ireland’s well known publishing families and went on to found a number of successful influential electronics titles of his own, including ElectronicsProduction World and ElectronicsComponents World. He was pioneering and visionary, one of the first publishers to fully grasp the digital age and offer his online publications as an App before others caught on.

In his personal life, Donal was an avid and accomplished poker player and was very passionate about the martial art, Ninjutsu. So much so, he founded the internationally renowned, Ninjutsu Magazine. Donal was a long time student of the international martial arts organization, Bujkinkan, and held an impressive 4th Dan black belt and a Shidoshi-Ho Licence.

We are aware that many of you knew Donal, who always had a welcoming, vibrant presence at all our industry’s major events. Those of you who had the pleasure of meeting him, will always keep a special memory of a thoughtful, kind, attentive man who was warm, generous and quick-witted.

Many of his business associates and professional colleagues were proud to call Donal a friend. He was truly loved, always ready with a word of encouragement, a smile and a helping hand. He was a very intelligent, gentle man, a great listener, who always had time for people and was happy to share his knowledge, experience and business acumen to help shed light on another’s situation.

Above all, Donal had the rare ability to energise people without even knowing it himself. He was full of positive energy and will always be remembered for his ability to raise people’s spirits and always make them feel included, especially if there was a party after the show!

As you might imagine, the passing of Donal has struck us with crushing grief. We have been deeply moved by the enormous amount of support, condolences and lovely messages from all of you who knew him. Those who wish to send their memories and sympathies can do so by email to Donal’s Partner, Ann Pyle, at  .

Donal was the beloved son of the late Donald McDonald and Elizabeth McDonald, and our hearts go out to his partner, Ann, his children, Leah and Daniel, his sister, Catherine, his brother, John, and to all of you that knew him. Donal’s funeral was held on the 24th February at the Holy Rosary Church in Greystones, Wicklow, Ireland, and he will be greatly missed by us all. Donal, our dear friend, may you Rest In Peace.

As Donal would have wanted, Ann will continue to run ElectronicsProduction World and ElectronicsComponents World. So please do continue to forward your press releases, articles and advertising enquiries to the newly created email address:

Thank you to everyone for your support at this very difficult time.