DUBLIN, Ireland — Irish music fans were left both overjoyed and emotional as Daniel O’Donnell, one of Ireland’s most cherished performers, officially announced what he has called his “Last Irish Tour” set to take place across 2025–2026. While Daniel has hinted at scaling back his touring commitments in recent years, the formal declaration struck a deep chord among his devoted followers. But what truly made the announcement unforgettable was the revelation that longtime friend and duet partner Mary Duff will rejoin him on stage — their first reunion in three decades.
The news came during a special press event in Dublin, where Daniel spoke candidly about the decision. “I’ve been so blessed to sing for audiences at home and abroad for more than forty years,” he said. “Ireland has always been at the heart of it all, and I wanted to come back to where it began for me. This tour will be my way of saying thank you to the people who have supported me through every step of my journey.”
Mary Duff, whose musical partnership with O’Donnell began in the late 1980s, will appear as a special guest for the duration of the tour. The pair became household names in Ireland and the UK thanks to their harmonious duets, most memorably “You’re My Best Friend.” Though they pursued separate careers after the mid-1990s, their friendship endured, and fans have long dreamed of seeing them share the stage once more.
When Duff joined Daniel on stage during the announcement, the reunion was immediate and heartfelt. The two performed “You’re My Best Friend” in front of an intimate audience of press and invited fans, and the response was electric. Many in the crowd wiped away tears as the familiar voices blended once again, reminding everyone why their partnership left such an indelible mark on Irish country and folk music.
“I can’t tell you what it means to sing with Daniel again,” Duff said, her voice breaking with emotion. “We’ve shared so many memories, and to be part of his final Irish tour is such an honor. I know it will be a celebration not just of his career, but of the music we’ve all loved together.”
The “Last Irish Tour” will see Daniel perform in venues across Dublin, Belfast, Cork, and his native Donegal, culminating in a series of farewell shows in 2026. Tickets are expected to sell out within hours once released, as fans worldwide plan to travel to Ireland to witness what promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime farewell.
For Daniel, the tour is not a goodbye but a celebration. “Music has given me more than I ever dreamed possible,” he told the crowd. “And to share this final chapter in Ireland, with Mary by my side, feels like coming full circle.”
As the announcement closed, O’Donnell and Duff clasped hands to a standing ovation, visibly moved by the outpouring of love. For fans, it was more than just a concert reveal — it was the beginning of an emotional farewell to an icon whose music has soundtracked their lives for more than four decades.