DANIEL O’DONNELL REFLECTS ON 60 YEARS IN MUSIC AND REMEMBERS HIS LATE FATHER ON THE LATE LATE SHOW
Dublin, Ireland — In an emotional and nostalgic appearance on RTÉ’s The Late Late Show, beloved Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell looked back on his remarkable 60-year journey in music — sharing heartfelt memories of his childhood, his family, and especially his late father, Francis O’Donnell, whose quiet strength and love helped shape the man he would become.
Sitting down with host Patrick Kielty, the Donegal-born crooner spoke with his trademark humility and warmth, reflecting on a lifetime of songs, stories, and fans who have followed him from the small halls of Kincasslagh to stages around the world. “It’s hard to believe how far it’s all come,” Daniel said with a smile. “Sometimes I still feel like that young fella from Donegal who just loved to sing.”
The most moving part of the interview came when Daniel spoke about his father, who passed away when Daniel was just a boy. “I think of Daddy often,” he said softly. “He didn’t live to see where life took me, but I like to think he knows. I carry him with me every time I walk on stage.”
He described how his father’s work ethic and quiet faith continue to guide him to this day. “He was a good man — steady, kind, not one for many words, but he led by example,” Daniel recalled. “He taught us what mattered: to treat people well, to be grateful, and to never forget where you come from.”
The audience sat in reverent silence as Daniel shared how those lessons carried him through challenges — from early struggles in the music business to moments of personal loss and doubt. “My family kept me grounded,” he said. “And the people of Donegal — they’ve been my anchor through everything.”
Patrick Kielty surprised Daniel with archival footage from his earliest performances, prompting laughter and a few tears. The segment concluded with a tender performance of “My Donegal Shore,” dedicated to his father and to “all the parents who give their children dreams they never get to see fulfilled.”
The heartfelt moment drew a standing ovation in the studio and sparked an emotional response across social media, with fans calling it “one of Daniel’s most genuine and beautiful interviews ever.”
Now celebrating six decades in music, Daniel O’Donnell remains one of Ireland’s most enduring artists — not just for his voice, but for his heart. As he told the audience that night, “I’ve been blessed beyond measure. If I’ve made someone smile, if I’ve reminded them of home, then that’s enough for me.”
With humility, grace, and deep gratitude, Daniel O’Donnell once again reminded Ireland — and the world — why he’s more than just a singer. He’s a storyteller, a son, and a man whose songs still carry the love of the father who first inspired him to sing.