‘There’s room for one of you but never two of me’

Evergreen country crooner Daniel O’Donnell on the secret of his success and coping with heartache

HIS music may not be everyone’s cup of tea but, judging by the sell-out concerts not to mention record sales totalling north of ten million, the appetite for Daniel O’Donnell is insatiable.

It’s hard to define the Irishman’s appeal. Granted, his performances are polished and entertaining. Yet it takes more than country ballads and a few funny stories to instil the O’Donnell brand of loyalty.

Just back from a tour of the States, country’s favourite crooner is supposed to be taking a well-earned rest but, as everyone knows, O’Donnell always has time for a chat. I began by asking him the reason for his phenomenal success.

“Oh, well, I don’t know really,” he says in a lilting Donegal accent. “But, you know, I have a great relationship with my fans. I’ve always been very accessible. After a concert I like to wait and meet the people, just to say hello. Even if I’m out and about, fans might come up and ask for a picture and it’s OK with me.”

Posing for selfies and shaking hands with the audience is one thing but O’Donnell has taken the personal touch to a whole new level. At one point he even invited fans to his home. While some find the perpetual glare of the spotlight intrusive, he takes it in his stride.

“You don’t think about it, I suppose,” he says as though he’s truly never given it a thought. “But no, to be honest, it really doesn’t bother me. You get used to it. I mean, you can’t be on television and be doing what I do without the attention. It would be worse if nobody bothered! You can’t have it both ways.”

Is this good advice for other young hopefuls? “My advice is simple. I’d say, just be yourself. I’ve seen so many [artists] coming up over the years and people will say, he’s the next Daniel O’Donnell or whoever. But you have to be yourself and remember, there’s always room for one of you but never two of me.”

Affable and a little self-deprecating, the 56-year-old comes across as a likeable man, not afraid to show emotion. In fact there’s a distinct wobble in his voice when he talks about his family and his wife Majella.

His path to wedded bliss was a bit of a rocky road. As a devout Catholic, Majella’s previous marriage to Scotsman Raymond McLelland caused the star a few anxious moments.

“Aye, I did struggle for a bit” he admits, laughing. “Then I missed her and just realised I was happier with Majella than without. We got along so well together and felt very easy in each other’s company. I suppose it was just meant to be.”

Majella’s marital status also posed a problem for the Catholic Church but a special annulment from the Vatican saved the day and in November 2002 Ireland’s most eligible bachelor finally tied the knot.

“You know a great part of the joy that marriage has brought to my life are the children. Siobhan and Michael came along with Majella and it’s been really wonderful.

“Raymond is their father and I’ve always known that but I’ve been a big part of their life for a long time. I was so touched and delighted when Raymond came to me on the morning of Siobhan’s wedding and asked if I’d meet them halfway down the aisle and we’d both walk her the rest of the way together. It was very good of Raymond to include me. Nobody knew it was happening and both Majella and Siobhan were so happy.”

I wondered whether his faith still plays a key a role in his life. “Oh, aye. You see, growing up in my time, you went to mass because you had to. You’d no choice, you couldn’t miss it. It wasn’t until I was travelling that I suddenly realised I was going because I wanted to.

“I found myself looking round for old chapels and places to worship. Of course, I’d love for everyone to have the comfort that my faith gives me. But you know, I’m not somebody that looks down on people who don’t have a religion. You can’t judge people for their different beliefs or even the lack of them.”

It is this faith that has helped O’Donnell cope with heartache, especially the loss of his mother and, in 2013, his wife’s cancer diagnosis. How are things now?

“Oh, thank God, everyone is well and Majella’s doing great. Did you know she’ll be cancer-free five years in August? Her physical health is good and so is her mental health,” he says, referring to his wife’s battle with depression. “All’s good and we’re very blessed.”

Considering the importance of religion, the highlight of 2018 was the