Daniel O’Donnell Honored with Irish Country Music Hall of Fame Award on The Late Late Show
Dublin, Ireland — In a heartwarming and emotional moment on RTÉ One’s The Late Late Show, beloved Donegal-born singer Daniel O’Donnell was officially inducted into the Irish Country Music Hall of Fame, marking yet another milestone in a career that has touched generations of fans across Ireland and around the world.
The announcement came as a surprise to Daniel during his guest appearance on the long-running talk show, where host Ryan Tubridy paid tribute to his four decades of contribution to Irish music and culture. As the audience rose to their feet in applause, Daniel — visibly moved — accepted the award with his trademark humility and grace.
“This means the world to me,” he said softly, holding back emotion. “I’ve been blessed to do what I love for so many years, and to share it with the people of Ireland and beyond. I never take that for granted.”
The Irish Country Music Hall of Fame Award is one of the most prestigious honors in the industry, recognizing artists who have made an enduring impact on the country music scene both at home and internationally. Previous recipients include icons such as Big Tom, Philomena Begley, and Margo O’Donnell, Daniel’s sister and an early mentor who helped launch his career in the early 1980s.
Daniel’s journey from small-town choirboy to one of Ireland’s most successful entertainers is the stuff of musical legend. Since releasing his first album in 1983, he has recorded more than 40 studio albums, earned countless chart-topping hits, and become the only artist in UK chart history to have a new album in the Top 40 every year for over 35 consecutive years. His music — a blend of Irish ballads, gospel, and classic country — continues to resonate deeply with fans who value his warmth, sincerity, and faith.
During the special segment, RTÉ aired a touching video montage of Daniel’s most memorable performances — from early television appearances to sold-out tours across the UK, America, and Australia. The clips were accompanied by messages from fellow musicians, fans, and longtime collaborators, many of whom praised his kindness and professionalism as much as his talent.
“I think Daniel’s secret has always been his heart,” said one industry colleague. “He sings from it, lives by it, and never forgets where he came from.”
Daniel’s wife, Majella O’Donnell, who has shared in his musical and personal journey for over two decades, was also present in the studio audience. Cameras caught her wiping away tears as Daniel dedicated the honor to her and to his late parents, Julia and Francis O’Donnell.
“I know Mammy and Daddy would be proud tonight,” Daniel said, his voice trembling slightly. “They taught me to love people and to always do my best. That’s what I’ve tried to do.”
Following the presentation, Daniel performed one of his signature songs, “Footsteps,” which he dedicated to his fans — many of whom have followed him loyally since the beginning. The audience joined in, their voices blending softly with his in a moving chorus that brought the studio to a quiet, emotional close.
The moment captured exactly what Daniel O’Donnell has represented throughout his career — not just music, but connection. A bridge between generations, his songs have comforted the lonely, celebrated love, and brought a sense of Irish pride to stages around the world.
In a brief closing remark, host Ryan Tubridy summed it up perfectly: “Daniel, you are not just a singer — you’re part of the fabric of who we are. This award is long overdue, and very well deserved.”
As the credits rolled, Daniel smiled and waved to the cheering crowd — ever humble, ever grateful — a living testament to the power of kindness, faith, and the simple beauty of song.
Congratulations to Daniel O’Donnell — a true Irish treasure, now officially enshrined in the Irish Country Music Hall of Fame.