MAJELLA O’DONNELL HONOURED WITH RTÉ RADIO 1’S JOHN MURRAY SHOW LISTENERS’ CHOICE AWARD 2014
Dublin, Ireland — Beloved Irish personality Majella O’Donnell was celebrated in 2014 as the winner of RTÉ Radio 1’s John Murray Show Listeners’ Choice Award, a recognition that reflected the nation’s deep affection and admiration for her courage, honesty, and unwavering spirit.
The award — part of the prestigious People of the Year Awards — was voted for entirely by the public, marking Majella as one of the most inspiring figures in Ireland that year. Her win came after she captured the hearts of the nation by speaking openly about her battle with breast cancer, sharing her journey with extraordinary grace and transparency.
Listeners of The John Murray Show on RTÉ Radio 1 nominated and voted for Majella in overwhelming numbers, citing her bravery in allowing cameras to document her head being shaved live on television during The Late Late Show — an act that helped raise over €600,000 for the Irish Cancer Society.
At the awards ceremony, Majella was visibly moved as she accepted the honor. “I never expected anything like this,” she said with emotion. “To me, this isn’t about awards — it’s about hope. If sharing my story helped even one person feel less afraid, then it was worth it.”
Her husband, Daniel O’Donnell, was by her side for the occasion, applauding proudly as Majella received a standing ovation from the audience. “She’s one of the bravest people I know,” Daniel said later. “She didn’t just fight her battle — she did it in a way that gave others strength to fight theirs.”
The award highlighted not only Majella’s resilience but also her authenticity — qualities that have made her one of Ireland’s most relatable and respected public figures. Fans praised her for breaking stigma and for facing illness with openness and humor, never losing her trademark wit even in the most difficult moments.
Majella’s story became a beacon of hope for countless families across Ireland, and her advocacy for mental health awareness and cancer support has continued in the years since.
As presenter John Murray noted during the announcement: “Majella reminded us that vulnerability can be powerful — and that courage isn’t about pretending to be fearless, but about choosing to keep going anyway.”
The John Murray Show Listeners’ Choice Award 2014 remains one of the most memorable and heartfelt honors in RTÉ’s history — a fitting tribute to a woman whose honesty, strength, and compassion touched an entire nation.