MUSIC Daniel O’Donnell to play in Castlebar

DONEGAL CROONER?Daniel O’Donnell is to appear in the Royal Theatre, Castlebar, this month.


Daniel O’Donnell to play in Castlebar


Show goes on despite wife’s cancer shock

Ciara Moynihan

Daniel O’Donnell will perform in the Royal Theatre, Castlebar, on Saturday, August 24. He might be musical Marmite – you either love him or hate him – but the crooner from Donegal’s career has been undeniably remarkable, with the chart success of his current album, ‘Songs From The Movies And More’, giving his detractors more than a little to chew on.
When the album became a UK Top 10 hit in October 2012, O’Donnell became the only artist in the world to score a hit in the UK album charts every year for the last 25 years. In doing so, he has outshone everyone from Michael Jackson and Madonna to U2 and the Rolling Stones. That’s right folks, ‘Our Daniel’ has outdone Jacko, Madge, Bono and Mick.
The 51-year-old singer has also hit number one in the UK music video/DVD charts eight times, has been named Irish Entertainer of the Year in Ireland three times and is no stranger to  the Billboard World Music Chart. He has sung at New York’s Carnegie Hall, London’s Royal Albert Hall, the Sydney Opera House and Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. His theatre shows in Branson, Missouri, are mobbed by adoring fans every year. A stalwart of PBS television in America, this September, 2013, he will record his 13th PBS special, making him one of the longest-running performers to feature on the network.
“I feel genuinely blessed to have enjoyed longevity doing something I love,” O’Donnell says. “And to have been able to have an international career as a recording and concert artist has been the icing on the cake.”

Tour continues
Last week fans were shocked when O’Donnell revealed that his wife, Majella, is battling breast cancer. The singer issued a statement via his website, saying: “I’m sorry to inform you that Majella was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She is undergoing treatment at present and as it was found in the early stages we are very hopeful of a full recovery.” He also asked his fans for their prayers.
The announcement prompted fears that O’Donnell’s Ireland and UK tour – due to start today (Tuesday) in Bundoran – would be cancelled. However, his assistant since posted a message on his website telling fans the shows would go on. “Quite a few of you have been enquiring about Daniel’s tours, but I just want to reassure you that they will go ahead as planned,” she said.  

Tickets (€43.20 each) for Daniel O’Donnell’s August 24 show in The Royal Theatre, Castlebar, are available from the theatre box office on 0818 300 000 or 094 9023111 or from ticketmaster.ie.

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