DANIEL O’DONNELL: “BEING PART OF CHARLIE BIRD’S FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN WAS QUITE AMAZING”
In one of the most moving national moments of recent years, Daniel O’Donnell has reflected on the day he joined thousands of others to climb Croagh Patrick alongside veteran broadcaster Charlie Bird — describing the experience as “quite amazing” and “unlike anything I’ve ever been part of.”
The Donegal singer took part in the Climb With Charlie campaign, a powerful fundraiser that united people across Ireland and beyond to raise money and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA). Bird, who was diagnosed with the condition in 2021, inspired the movement by announcing that he would climb the Mayo mountain despite the severe challenges of his illness.
Speaking to Ray D’Arcy on RTÉ Radio One, Daniel recalled the extraordinary day:
“The whole experience with Charlie was incredible. I don’t know if I have ever been involved in anything that has united the country like Charlie’s climb.”
From Donegal to Cork, and from Wicklow to Tipperary, people climbed mountains, hills, and local trails in solidarity with Bird’s journey up Croagh Patrick. For Daniel, that national wave of participation was something he said he will never forget.
“It was quite amazing that I was getting messages from people at home saying, ‘We’re climbing Errigal today,’ or ‘We’re climbing in Wicklow.’ It was happening everywhere. The sense of togetherness was just overwhelming.”
As Daniel reached the base of Croagh Patrick, he was struck by the sight of hundreds already ascending the steep path. He called it a “sea of hope and compassion.” When he finally reached the summit — where Charlie Bird, supported by family and friends, had also arrived — Daniel said the atmosphere was indescribable.
“When Charlie got to the top, it was unbelievable, the feeling that was there. The atmosphere was electric, emotional. He addressed the crowd, we sang a few songs, and then — completely unexpectedly — Vicky Phelan came on the phone. Her friends were there, and we put her on loudspeaker. It was just a moment in time. I’m sure other people felt the same.”
The appearance of Vicky Phelan, who had become another symbol of courage in her own battle with cancer, added profound emotion to the day. For Daniel, the connection between Charlie and Vicky represented something deeper than a charity climb — it was about strength, empathy, and the power of community.
“Both Charlie and Vicky had terrible diagnoses,” he said, “but they were still able to do such positive things. That’s the real message — that even in the hardest circumstances, you can still bring people together, you can still give hope.”
Daniel called it an “honour” to have been part of the campaign, and many of his fans echoed that sentiment. On social media, hundreds praised the singer for his humility and his willingness to stand beside Charlie during such a momentous event.
Since that unforgettable day, Climb With Charlie has raised millions of euros for MND research and related charities, leaving behind not only a legacy of generosity but also a renewed sense of national unity.
As Daniel O’Donnell summed it up simply:
“It wasn’t just a climb — it was Ireland at its best.”