Daniel and Majella O’Donnell Share Memories, Laughter, and Pride at the Mary from Dungloe International Arts Festival
Dungloe was alive with music, colour, and community spirit this week as the Mary from Dungloe International Arts Festival welcomed home one of Donegal’s most beloved couples — Daniel O’Donnell and his wife, Majella. For Daniel, a native of nearby Kincasslagh, the event has always been more than just a festival. It is a living symbol of home, belonging, and the enduring connection between Donegal and its people across the world.
The festival, inspired by the famous Irish ballad “Mary from Dungloe,” has grown into a celebration that blends music, arts, and cultural pride. It draws visitors from as far as Australia, America, and Canada, while offering a warm embrace to those returning after decades away. “I’ve sung ‘Mary from Dungloe’ in countless venues around the world,” Daniel reflected, “but there’s something different when you sing it here in the square. You can see it in people’s faces — the pride, the nostalgia, the feeling of coming home.”
Majella, known for her wit and down-to-earth charm, admitted her first encounter with the festival was a “shock to the system.” She laughed as she recalled the way the community drew her in from the moment she arrived. “There’s music on every corner, neighbours you’ve never met offering you tea, and before you know it, you’ve been volunteered to judge a fancy dress competition you didn’t know existed,” she said. “It’s chaotic, but it’s wonderful.”
For the O’Donnells, the Mary from Dungloe festival is as much about the people as it is about the events. Daniel spoke warmly about the sense of unity it fosters, particularly for Donegal’s diaspora. “This festival is a bridge,” he said. “It keeps people connected to where they came from, even if they’ve been away for decades. And now, with livestreams and social media, families abroad can be part of it in real time.”
The festival atmosphere is one of joy, but also emotion. Daniel recounted moments when returning emigrants, sometimes away for thirty or forty years, shared how his music had been a companion during their loneliest times abroad. “That’s the power of music and of this festival — it heals, it connects, it brings people together,” he said.
While Daniel often takes to the stage, Majella prefers to work behind the scenes, supporting local events and meeting the “Marys” from various regions. “They’re all so proud of their communities,” she said. “It’s not just about a crown — it’s about representing where you come from and carrying that pride with you.”Both Daniel and Majella have seen the festival evolve over the years. They welcome the changes, noting that technology has made it more accessible than ever. “The heart of it will always be the same,” Daniel said. “The song, the crowning, the sense of community — those things won’t change. But now, a family in New York or Sydney can watch the parade live. That’s something special.”
As for advice to this year’s contestants, Daniel kept it simple: “Enjoy every second. You’ll carry this with you for the rest of your life.” Majella’s advice, as ever, came with a laugh: “Don’t wear new shoes in the parade. Trust me.”
The couple’s visit ended on a note that perfectly captured the spirit of the festival. As the crowd gathered in the town square, Daniel softly sang the opening lines of “Mary from Dungloe.” The familiar melody floated through the warm Donegal air, a reminder that, for all its changes and growth, the heart of the festival beats strongest in the shared memories of its people.