DONEGAL LOCALS NOT EMBARRASSED TO CELEBRATE DANIEL O’DONNELL’S MARRIAGE TO DIVORCÉE MAJELLA McLENNAN
When beloved Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell tied the knot with Majella McLennan, a divorcée from Thurles, County Tipperary, back in 2002, many wondered how the famously traditional Donegal community would react. But for the people of Kincasslagh, where Daniel was born and raised, the reaction was nothing short of heartfelt celebration — with little concern for outdated social conventions.
Locals in Daniel’s close-knit hometown, known for its deep faith and strong sense of community, have always admired him not just for his music, but for his humility, kindness, and generosity. So when Daniel fell in love with Majella — a woman who brought light, laughter, and unwavering support into his life — Donegal opened its arms.
“There was never a whisper of judgment,” one neighbor shared. “We were just delighted to see Daniel so happy. She’s a wonderful woman, and she’s been by his side through everything.”
Indeed, Majella’s openness and honesty — from sharing her experience with divorce to her very public battle with breast cancer — only deepened the community’s affection for her. Her warm smile and straightforward charm made her a natural fit in the Donegal landscape, and locals quickly embraced her as one of their own.
The couple’s wedding in Kincasslagh Church was a simple yet joyful affair, filled with family, friends, and plenty of music. Locals remember it as a day of genuine happiness — a reflection of Daniel and Majella’s down-to-earth nature.
“They showed us all what love looks like,” said another local. “No matter what came before, it was clear they were meant for each other.”
As Daniel and Majella continue to navigate life together — from touring the world to welcoming fans into their home on Daniel and Majella’s B&B Road Trip — the Donegal community remains steadfast in their support. They see Daniel not just as a star, but as a neighbor, a friend, and a proud son of Donegal.
In a place where loyalty runs deep, the locals stand by their own — and they’ve proven that true love, no matter the past, is always worth celebrating.