Music with Eddie Rowley

IT MIGHT not seem like he took a break, but it’s been 18 months since Irish country superstar Daniel O’Donnell quit touring to spend time with his wife, Majella.

Daniel’s momentous decision after more than 30 years in the business followed the trauma of Majella’s shock diagnosis and subsequent treatment for breast cancer in 2013.

Although the devoted couple did disappear on a world cruise for the first five months of this year, Daniel had packed a lot of experiences and new challenges into his life prior to that luxury holiday.

There was his gutsy turn as a contestant on one of Britain’s top entertainment shows, Strictly Come Dancing. While Daniel was voted out in the early weeks, he was relieved to leave with his dignity intact.

Then there was his surprise TV hit when he teamed up with Majella to do a B&B tour of Ireland.

Their hilarious banter and engagement with the people they encountered was TV gold.

A new series has now been recorded and will be broadcast by RTÉ in January.

If he had any concerns that his departure from the concert scene for such a long time would hurt his drawing power they were quickly dispelled — his shows at Killarney this month sold out after going on sale last December.

Similarly, Daniel’s three concerts at Dublin’s Convention Centre next December were the fastest selling of his career.

“I genuinely did wonder if the people would still be there when I came back,” Daniel admits.

“I certainly never expected that the support would be bigger than ever.”

Currently in rehearsals with a band that features six new members, he adds: “I was a bit rusty after the break, but by the time we open in Killarney I’ ll be singing like a bird again.”