SHOCKING NEWS: A Memorable Night in June 2012 — When Gary Gamble as Daniel O’Donnell and Margo O’Donnell Sang “Don’t Cry Joni” Together at Tommy Cunningham’s 60th Birthday Celebration
In the warm summer of June 2012, at the elegant Grianan Hotel, friends and family gathered to celebrate the milestone 60th birthday of Tommy Cunningham. Among the laughter, storytelling, and heartfelt speeches, an unforgettable moment was born when two beloved names of Irish country music came together on stage. Gary Gamble, well-known for his spot-on performances in the role of Daniel O’Donnell, stood alongside the legendary Margo O’Donnell, sister of Daniel and a celebrated singer in her own right. Together, they performed the timeless ballad “Don’t Cry Joni.”
The atmosphere inside the hotel was one of both joy and nostalgia. For many in the audience, seeing Gary Gamble channel the gentle style and unmistakable charm of Daniel O’Donnell was already a treat. But when Margo O’Donnell stepped forward to join him, the room filled with a new energy. It wasn’t just a performance — it was a reminder of the deep roots of Irish country music and the bonds that tie performers and audiences together across generations.
“Don’t Cry Joni”, originally a song that captured hearts decades ago, tells the bittersweet story of young love and time’s passing hand. Hearing it sung on such a personal occasion gave the song an added layer of emotion. Guests later recalled how the pair sang with warmth and sincerity, their voices blending in a way that seemed almost destined for that night. It felt less like a staged performance and more like a gift — one offered from the artists not just to the man celebrating his birthday, but to everyone fortunate enough to be present.
The Grianan Hotel provided the perfect backdrop for such a moment. Known for hosting countless community gatherings, weddings, and musical events, its walls have absorbed years of laughter and music. Yet even among all those memories, those who attended that evening agree this performance stood apart. Some described it as “a once-in-a-lifetime moment,” one that captured both the essence of Irish hospitality and the enduring power of song.
What made the evening even more special was the presence of family. Margo O’Donnell, who has long been admired for her pioneering role in Irish country music, brought her authenticity and grace to the stage. Her partnership with Gary Gamble, who has spent years perfecting his portrayal of Daniel in both voice and mannerism, was seamless. As they sang, guests could feel the affection, respect, and shared love of music radiating across the room.
The 60th birthday of Tommy Cunningham thus became more than a personal milestone. It became a cultural moment, a memory carried in the hearts of everyone who attended. For Tommy, it was surely a night to remember, surrounded not only by family and friends but also by music that spoke directly to the soul. For others, it was a reminder that songs like “Don’t Cry Joni” continue to resonate, no matter how much time passes.
Looking back now, more than a decade later, the memory of that performance remains powerful. It wasn’t broadcast on television or recorded for an album, but it lives on through the stories and fond recollections of those who were there. That in itself is the beauty of music — it creates moments that don’t always need cameras or spotlights. Sometimes, the most meaningful performances happen in quiet rooms filled with people who care, where songs carry both laughter and tears.
As fans of Daniel O’Donnell and Margo O’Donnell know well, music is more than entertainment. It is a thread that ties people together, across generations and across life’s many occasions. And on that June night in 2012, at the Grianan Hotel, as Gary Gamble and Margo O’Donnell sang with heartfelt devotion, everyone present felt that truth in the deepest way.