Daniel O’Donnell Mourns Loss of Longtime Friend and Manager Kieran Cavanagh: “A Giant of Irish Music Has Left Us”
Daniel O’Donnell has been plunged into mourning following the death of his close friend and manager, Kieran Cavanagh—a towering figure in Irish showbusiness and a man Daniel simply called “friend.”
Kieran passed away on Tuesday morning at St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Dublin, surrounded by his loving family. He had been battling brain cancer since his diagnosis last year. He was one of the country’s most influential music promoters and a key force behind the careers of countless country and rock icons, both Irish and international.
Sharing the news with fans, a heartbroken Daniel wrote:
“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my friend and manager Kieran Cavanagh. RIP. Kieran died this morning in the wonderful care of St Vincent’s Private Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Please keep them in your prayers at this very difficult time.”
Though funeral arrangements are yet to be announced, tributes have already begun pouring in from across the music world.
From playing bass in the showband The New Blues during the 1970s to managing global legends like Jerry Lee Lewis, Kieran’s life was anything but ordinary. At just 27, he pulled off a feat few could dream of—bringing Johnny Cash to Ireland for a groundbreaking tour that solidified his reputation as a major force in live entertainment.
Over the following decades, Kieran worked with some of the most iconic names in country music—Willie Nelson, Glen Campbell, Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rogers, Buck Owens, and Kris Kristofferson, to name just a few. His ability to move between the raw edge of rock and the heartfelt rhythms of country music made him a unique bridge between two musical worlds.
His partnership with Jerry Lee Lewis was legendary. When “The Killer” found himself in dire financial straits in the early ’90s, it was Kieran who stepped in, negotiated tours, and helped the rock ‘n’ roll rebel earn over a million dollars—clearing his debts and regaining his freedom.
But for Daniel O’Donnell, Kieran was more than a powerhouse promoter.
Their professional relationship began in the 1980s and deepened over time. In 1992, Kieran staged Daniel’s first major concert at The Point in Dublin, a career-defining moment for the Donegal singer. When Daniel’s longtime manager Sean Reilly retired in 2015, Kieran stepped in—not just as a manager, but as a trusted confidant.
Their bond extended beyond the business of music. Kieran understood Daniel’s values, his fans, and his voice—not just as a singer, but as a person. It was a relationship built on trust, respect, and a shared passion for bringing joy to audiences around the world.
In mourning Kieran’s passing, Daniel—and the entire Irish music community—says goodbye to a man who lived for the stage, the song, and the people behind them.
“A light has gone out in Irish music,” said one longtime industry colleague. “But what Kieran built—through grit, charm, and relentless belief—will echo for years to come.”