Daniel O’Donnell and Cliff Richard Surprise Fans with Singalong at Irish Pub in Tenerife
Tenerife, Spain — Tourists enjoying a quiet pint at an Irish pub in Tenerife got the shock of a lifetime when two music legends, Daniel O’Donnell and Sir Cliff Richard, took the stage for a surprise singalong.
The impromptu performance took place at The Hole in the Wall, a well-known Irish pub on the island that has become a magnet for music lovers — and the occasional superstar. Publican and musician Fergal Flaherty, who opened the venue in 1996, said even he was stunned when Sir Cliff Richard walked through the door.
“I was on stage performing when Majella [O’Donnell’s wife] came in with some friends, including Cliff,” Fergal told the Irish Sunday Mirror. “I honestly thought it was a tribute act at first.”Daniel O’Donnell had played in a golf tournament earlier that day and told Fergal he had guests staying at his villa but made no mention of who they were. When he arrived at the bar later that evening, Majella urged Fergal to invite Cliff Richard up for a song. The pop icon didn’t hesitate — taking the guitar from Fergal and launching into his 1958 hit Move It, completely unplugged.
“It was just raw rock ’n’ roll — no backing tracks,” Fergal said. “Once word spread that Cliff was in the pub, people came flooding in from nearby bars. We had to escort him out afterward, it was unreal.”
Over the years, the venue has welcomed many of Ireland’s top acts, including Paddy Cole, Nathan Carter, Lisa McHugh, and Philomena Begley. But Daniel O’Donnell remains one of its most beloved regulars. He first visited in 1998 and now drops by a couple of times a year while holidaying on the island.
“He loves performing here,” Fergal said. “Daniel once told me, ‘I’ve sung in concert halls all over the world — but this is more enjoyable than the Albert Hall.’”Despite being on vacation, O’Donnell never shies away from giving fans his time. “One night, there were queues out the door for photos,” Fergal recalled. “Daniel sat for hours until everyone had their moment.”
The two men share a deep friendship — so much so that when Majella was battling cancer, Daniel invited Fergal to stay at his Donegal home for support.