DANIEL O’DONNELL REFLECTS ON 60 YEARS AND REMEMBERS HIS FATHER ON THE LATE LATE SHOW
It was a night filled with music, laughter, and heartfelt memories as Daniel O’Donnell marked his 60th birthday on RTÉ One’s The Late Late Show. The Donegal singer, beloved across Ireland and beyond, used the occasion not just to celebrate his extraordinary career but also to look back on the people and moments that shaped his life — including an emotional tribute to his late father.
Surrounded by friends, family, and fellow performers, O’Donnell appeared deeply moved as the programme traced his journey from Kincasslagh to international stages. The highlight of the evening came when he paused to speak about his father, who passed away when Daniel was still a boy.
“I often wonder what he would make of it all,” Daniel said softly, his voice tinged with emotion. “He never got to see me on stage or hear the songs, but I like to think he’s been with me all along the way.”
The audience fell silent as Daniel described his father’s influence, recalling his hard work, quiet strength, and the legacy of family values he left behind. Though his father didn’t live to witness Daniel’s rise to fame, the singer said he has always felt guided by his memory. “Every time I walk out in front of a crowd, I carry him with me,” he added.
The evening balanced these tender reflections with plenty of celebration. Fellow artists, including long-time friends and collaborators, paid tribute through performances and stories. Daniel joined in song, smiling and laughing with the audience, proving that even six decades into his life, his love for music and connection to fans remains as strong as ever.
Host Ryan Tubridy praised O’Donnell’s remarkable ability to remain grounded despite decades of success. From his early days recording cassette tapes in Donegal to sold-out tours in the UK and America, Daniel’s journey has become part of Ireland’s cultural story.
Yet for O’Donnell, the night was less about career milestones than about gratitude. He spoke warmly of his mother, Julia, who encouraged his singing, of his siblings, and of his wife Majella, whose support has carried him through life’s ups and downs.
Viewers at home responded in droves, sharing their admiration for the singer’s humility and his ability to weave personal memories into universal themes. “Daniel makes you feel like family,” one fan wrote online. “When he talked about his dad, it felt like he was speaking for all of us who’ve lost someone we love.”
As the evening closed, O’Donnell performed one of his classic ballads, his voice as steady and warm as ever. The performance seemed to sum up the night: a blend of joy, memory, and quiet tribute, celebrating not only 60 years of life but also the enduring bonds of family and heritage that have defined his story.
For Daniel O’Donnell, turning 60 was not just a milestone — it was an opportunity to look back with gratitude, to remember a father whose influence still guides him, and to celebrate the journey that continues to unfold.