In a candid and heartfelt interview, Irish country music icon Margo O’Donnell has revealed that she has not spoken to her younger brother, fellow singer Daniel O’Donnell, since the passing of their beloved mother, Julia, in May 2014.
The Donegal-born singer, who helped launch Daniel’s early music career, said the siblings have been estranged for nearly a decade, describing the situation simply as “circumstantial.”
“Things are not good there,” Margo admitted to the Irish Mail on Sunday. “It is circumstantial. It has been four years in May [at the time] since Mam passed. That’s how long it has been since we spoke. That’s the way it is.”
Though Margo did not delve into the specifics behind the breakdown in communication, she appeared to suggest that changes in Daniel’s personal circle may have contributed to the distance between them.
“I don’t see Daniel at all,” she said quietly. “But he is doing magnificently well and he is my brother—and I love him dearly because he is a good man.”
The emotional revelation highlights the complex dynamics even among public families known for unity and shared success. Despite their estrangement, Margo expressed no bitterness, only a quiet resignation and enduring affection.
Margo and Daniel O’Donnell are two of Ireland’s most cherished performers, and for decades, fans viewed them as inseparable figures in the Irish music scene. Their family story has inspired many, and while the distance between them is painful to hear, Margo’s words reflect a continued love and respect for her brother, even in silence.
This poignant update underscores how even those in the public eye face deep, private challenges, and reminds us that grief, change, and family ties are never simple to untangle.