DUNGLOE, Ireland — Hundreds of fans braved long queues and weekend travel to Donegal on Sunday for the chance to own a personal keepsake from Irish music legend Daniel O’Donnell and his wife, Majella. The couple held a charity garage sale, offering household items, clothing, and memorabilia, with proceeds going to Donegal Mind Wellness, a cause particularly close to Majella’s heart.
The sale, hosted at The Cope Foodstore in Dungloe, drew fans from across Ireland and beyond. Visitors traveled from Dublin, Mayo, and even the UK to take part, turning what might have been an ordinary community sale into a highly anticipated event. By the time doors opened at 1 p.m., a line of eager fans stretched well outside, many hoping to secure a unique memento connected to the beloved singer.
Among the items on offer were lamps, mirrors, clocks, ornaments, and rails of gently worn clothing. All came from the O’Donnell home, which underwent a redesign during the popular RTE program Room to Improve. Daniel and Majella explained that the sale was their way of putting household surplus to good use.
Speaking to the crowd, O’Donnell encouraged supporters to contribute generously. “Everything is priced reasonably, so dig deep,” he said warmly. “It’s for a very worthy cause, and you are all very welcome.” He also reassured fans about the quality of the items. “None of this is in bad condition,” he added. “It’s just that after Dermot [celebrity architect Dermot Bannon] did the makeover, we realised how much we had stored in the garage. We decided we didn’t need it all, and this way it can help others.”
For many attendees, the opportunity was about far more than shopping — it was a way to connect personally with O’Donnell, whose reputation for kindness and accessibility has made him a national treasure. Gloria Scott from Omagh, Co Tyrone, described her admiration for the star. “Daniel came to my mother’s funeral back in 2000,” she recalled, her voice emotional. “That’s just the kind of man Daniel is, so genuine. I’m here today to support him and hopefully to get something special.”
Others echoed that sentiment. Mary Hamilton, from Dublin, was holidaying in Sligo but made the two-hour journey to Dungloe as soon as she heard about the event. “I’ve been a Daniel fan for years,” she said. “Only Daniel could do something like this and give all the money away to such a good cause. I hope he and Majella raise thousands for the charity.”
The O’Donnells’ decision to donate the proceeds to Donegal Mind Wellness struck a chord with many attendees, particularly as mental health awareness has become a growing concern across Ireland.
The sale, which will continue throughout the week until all items are sold, combines two qualities that have defined Daniel O’Donnell’s career: his strong bond with the community and his commitment to using his platform for good. For fans who left clutching a clock, a coat, or even a lamp, the real treasure was knowing that their purchase carried with it a piece of Daniel’s story — and helped support a cause close to his family’s heart.