Daniel O’Donnell – Pretty Little Girl From Omagh (LIVE at Stewart’s Music Shop)
There are performances that entertain, and then there are moments that touch the soul — and Daniel O’Donnell’s live rendition of “Pretty Little Girl From Omagh” at Stewart’s Music Shop belongs firmly in the latter. Recorded in front of a small but adoring crowd in Dungannon, this intimate appearance captures everything that has made Daniel one of Ireland’s most cherished voices for over four decades: warmth, sincerity, and a deep connection with his audience.
From the moment he stepped onto the modest stage inside the beloved family-run shop, there was a hush of anticipation. Fans young and old — some who had traveled miles across Ireland and beyond — filled the aisles between the shelves of records and CDs, clutching flowers, old vinyl sleeves, and memories. When Daniel greeted the crowd with his familiar smile and soft Donegal accent, the room erupted with applause and affection.
Then came the opening chords of “Pretty Little Girl From Omagh,” one of Daniel’s most enduring hits — a song that has, over the years, become almost an anthem of home, love, and Irish pride. Written by Stephen Foster and popularized in the Irish country circuit, the tune tells the story of a man recalling the simple, tender beauty of the girl he loves from the town of Omagh in County Tyrone. But in Daniel’s hands, it becomes something even more personal — a heartfelt conversation between singer and audience, shared through melody.
As he began to sing, his voice — clear and timeless as ever — filled the shop with a warmth that no microphone or stadium could ever replicate. There was no need for fancy production or lighting; just Daniel, a microphone, and the sincerity of the moment. Every lyric landed softly, carried by that unmistakable Irish lilt that has comforted millions. The audience joined in quietly, some smiling through tears, others closing their eyes as if the music had carried them home.
Between verses, Daniel shared a few lighthearted stories about his early days performing in local halls and community centers — tales of long drives, late nights, and the joy of singing songs that make people feel good. “I’ve always loved this one,” he said with a grin. “There’s something about it that reminds you of where you came from — and of the people who make life worth singing about.”
It was more than a concert; it was a homecoming. Stewart’s Music Shop, long known as a cornerstone of Irish country music culture, has played a special role in Daniel’s career since the very beginning. Many fans recalled buying their first O’Donnell record there decades ago — and to see him performing in that same space again felt like a full-circle moment.
The performance closed with Daniel leading the crowd in one final chorus:
“There’s a pretty little girl in Omagh town, and she’s waiting there for me…”
As the final note faded, the applause was thunderous. But even as the crowd cheered, there was a shared sense of something more meaningful — gratitude. Gratitude for a voice that has never wavered, for songs that have stood the test of time, and for an artist who continues to bring people together through kindness and song.
That night in Dungannon, there were no big screens or flashing lights — just Daniel O’Donnell, singing from the heart, reminding everyone that music’s truest magic lies in its simplicity.