Daniel and Majella O’Donnell Bring Musical Magic to Millstreet as St. Patrick’s Day Grand Marshals
On March 17, 2018, the town of Millstreet, Co. Cork experienced a St. Patrick’s Day Parade unlike any other, when Daniel O’Donnell and his wife Majella stepped into the role of VIP guests and Grand Marshals. The occasion blended music, tradition, and community spirit, leaving those present with memories that remain as vivid as the green banners that lined the streets that day.
The honor came thanks to Eily Buckley, a beloved local figure whose warmth and hospitality helped make the event possible. Her invitation ensured that Millstreet would welcome not only Ireland’s most famous country music star but also one of its most cherished couples.
As Daniel and Majella arrived, the atmosphere shifted. Crowds surged forward in excitement, many eager to catch a glimpse of the Donegal crooner who has spent more than four decades winning hearts both at home and abroad. For some attendees, it was a moment so rare that it felt almost historic.
Local onlookers described the scene as electric. “It was the first time in Millstreet I ever felt like I was in a rugby scrum just trying to get a close-up photo,” one spectator recalled with a laugh. The excitement was palpable, yet carried with it the unmistakable Irish warmth of a community proud to host such special guests.
The parade itself was filled with all the hallmarks of St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland: vibrant floats, marching bands, Irish dancers, and an outpouring of local pride. But the presence of Daniel and Majella gave the celebration an extra layer of joy. Waving to the crowds from an open-top car, the couple were met with cheers, applause, and the occasional shout of “Sing us a song, Daniel!”
For Daniel, who has performed in nearly every corner of Ireland and countless stages across the world, the moment was less about fame and more about connection. Known for his genuine warmth and humility, he took time to greet fans, pose for photos, and share stories with locals. “Millstreet made us feel so welcome,” Daniel said afterward. “It’s a memory we’ll carry with us.”
Majella, equally beloved for her candor and humor on shows such as Daniel and Majella’s B&B Road Trip, charmed the crowd with her smiles and waves. Together, the pair embodied the family spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, reminding everyone that music, love, and community remain at the heart of Irish culture.
Though the clip of the event may have ended abruptly, those who were there say the memory is anything but short. For Millstreet, the presence of Daniel and Majella at the head of their parade turned a traditional holiday into a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
The day was more than just a parade; it was a reminder of the unique way Daniel O’Donnell continues to bridge the gap between celebrity and community, stage and street. His music may fill grand arenas, but it is in small towns like Millstreet — among the people — that his legacy feels most alive.
For Millstreet residents and fans who traveled to witness the occasion, March 17, 2018 will forever be remembered as the day Daniel and Majella O’Donnell brought a touch of musical brilliance and heartfelt Irish pride to their streets.