Daniel O’Donnell Mourns the Loss of Longtime Manager and Friend Kieran Cavanagh
Renowned Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell is mourning the devastating loss of his friend and manager, Kieran Cavanagh, who passed away on Tuesday following a battle with brain cancer. The news was confirmed by Daniel in an emotional tribute that spoke to the deep bond the two men shared.
“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my friend and manager Kieran Cavanagh. RIP,” Daniel wrote. “Kieran died this morning in the wonderful care of St Vincent’s Private Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Please keep them in your prayers at this very difficult time.”
Kieran Cavanagh was more than just a manager — he was a pivotal figure in Irish showbusiness, a driving force behind some of the country’s most successful tours, and a man whose passion for music shaped countless careers. His funeral arrangements have yet to be announced, but the outpouring of tributes has already begun, reflecting the widespread admiration for his work and character.
Born in Easkey, County Sligo, Kieran began his journey in music in the 1970s as a bass player with The New Blues, an Irish showband. Yet his talent would soon prove to lie beyond the stage. By the age of 27, Kieran had made headlines by flying to the United States and negotiating a deal to bring the legendary Johnny Cash to Ireland. The tour was a major success and marked the beginning of Kieran’s rise as one of Ireland’s most respected music promoters.
Over the following decades, he would go on to organize tours for some of America’s biggest country icons, including George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Glen Campbell, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Buck Owens, and Kris Kristofferson. His natural charm, ambition, and professionalism earned him trust and respect on both sides of the Atlantic.
One of his most high-profile roles was managing rock ‘n’ roll icon Jerry Lee Lewis, nicknamed “The Killer.” Kieran not only brought Lewis to Ireland but also stepped in during a critical moment in the star’s life. In 1993, when Lewis was facing a severe financial crisis due to unpaid taxes and frozen assets, it was Kieran who stepped in and turned the situation around. Under his management, Lewis earned more than a million dollars through global touring and was able to settle his tax debts within a year. Kieran found himself in the company of legends like Bruce Springsteen and Ronnie Wood, who admired Lewis and respected the man who helped keep his career afloat.
Kieran’s connection to Daniel O’Donnell spanned decades. He promoted Daniel’s shows since the 1980s and was the architect behind the singer’s first major concert at The Point in Dublin in 1992 — a pivotal moment in Daniel’s rise to international fame. In 2015, when Daniel’s longtime manager Sean Reilly retired, Kieran officially took over the full management of Daniel’s global career.
More than just a skilled promoter and manager, Kieran Cavanagh was known for his warmth, dedication, and unwavering belief in the artists he worked with. His loss is deeply felt across the music industry, particularly by those who knew him not only as a professional but as a true friend.
For Daniel O’Donnell, the grief is personal and profound — the loss of a guiding hand, a loyal friend, and a man who helped shape his journey in music for over 30 years. As tributes continue to pour in, one thing remains certain: Kieran Cavanagh’s impact on music, and on those who were lucky enough to know him, will never be forgotten.