Daniel O’Donnell and John Finbarr Delight Fans with Spirited Set Dancing Aboard the Gertrude Byrne Cruise 2015
Caribbean Sea — It was a moment that perfectly captured the joy and camaraderie of Irish music at sea. During the Gertrude Byrne Irish Cruise of 2015, beloved entertainer Daniel O’Donnell and fellow performer John Finbarr stole the show with an impromptu set dancing performance that had fans cheering, clapping, and joining in from every corner of the deck.
The annual Gertrude Byrne Cruise, famed for bringing together the very best in Irish country and folk entertainment, was already in full swing when Daniel and John took to the dance floor. Backed by a lively traditional band, the pair exchanged smiles and laughter as they twirled and stepped in perfect rhythm, proving that the spirit of Irish culture is alive wherever the music plays.
Passengers described the moment as “pure joy” — a blend of spontaneity, music, and friendship that reflected everything fans love about Daniel O’Donnell. Dressed casually and clearly relaxed, Daniel’s easy humor and genuine warmth turned the deck into a Donegal dance hall at sea. “You could feel the happiness,” one passenger recalled. “Everyone was clapping, laughing, and forgetting the world for a few minutes. That’s what Daniel does best — he makes people feel at home.”
John Finbarr, a popular figure on the Irish dance circuit, matched Daniel step for step, the two longtime friends sharing a chemistry that drew the audience in. When the final tune ended, the crowd erupted into applause, and Daniel jokingly bowed before saying, “I think I’ll stick to singing — but that wasn’t too bad, was it?”
Videos of the dance later circulated online, garnering thousands of views from fans who called it “vintage Daniel” — a reminder of his down-to-earth charm and love of community. The performance has since become one of the most beloved memories from the 2015 Gertrude Byrne Cruise, a tradition that continues to unite Irish performers and fans on the high seas.
For many aboard that year, it wasn’t just a cruise — it was a floating celebration of Ireland’s music, laughter, and heart. And at the center of it all, as always, was Daniel O’Donnell — smiling, dancing, and reminding everyone that wherever there’s music and friendship, there’s home.