Early Life

Daniel O’Donnell was born in Dungloe, County Donegal, Ireland, the youngest of five children of a Roman Catholic family. When he was six years old his father died suddenly from a heart attack. His mother worked to support the family, and also later ran a guest house and shop. He is the only one of his siblings still living in Dungloe.

Personal Life

O’Donnell married his wife, Majella, in 2002. The couple lives in Kincasslagh, Donegal. They have no children together.
O’Donnell has two children and two adopted grandchildren who are his wife’s grandchildren.

Career

O’Donnell’s musical career began in 1982 when he entered and won a talent contest in Letterkenny. In February 1983, he released his first single, “My Donegal Shore.” He formed his own singing group later that year called Country Fever. After the Country Fever disbanded, he started “The Grassroots”. Mick Clerkin, the Ritz label’s manager, saw him perform and introduced him to Sean Reilly, who has remained his manager since then. He released his first album in 1983 and has released over 30 albums, including several best-sellers. He has also appeared in a number of stage musicals and television shows.

He was a household name in both Ireland and Great Britain by the mid-nineties. He was a familiar face on popular television shows in both countries, as well as receiving several accolades.

Discography

Awards and Honours