DANIEL O’DONNELL RECEIVES IRISH COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AWARD ON THE LATE LATE SHOW
Dublin, Ireland — It was an evening filled with pride, emotion, and standing ovations as beloved Donegal singer Daniel O’Donnell was officially inducted into the Irish Country Music Hall of Fame during a special live broadcast of RTÉ’s The Late Late Show.
The announcement came as a surprise to Daniel, who appeared on the show to discuss his latest album and upcoming tour — but host Patrick Kielty had something far more meaningful planned. As the audience erupted in applause, Daniel was visibly moved when presented with the prestigious award recognizing his extraordinary 40-year contribution to Irish music.
💬 “I’m absolutely humbled,” Daniel said, holding back emotion. “When I started out singing in little halls around Donegal, I never imagined I’d be standing here tonight receiving something like this. To be part of the Hall of Fame alongside so many people I’ve admired all my life is an incredible honor.”
The segment featured a surprise video tribute highlighting Daniel’s journey from a young man in Kincasslagh performing with his sister Margo O’Donnell, to becoming one of Ireland’s most enduring and internationally loved entertainers. Clips of his classic performances — from “Forty Shades of Green” to “Stand Beside Me” — reminded viewers why Daniel’s voice has become a defining sound of home for millions around the world.
In a heartfelt moment, Daniel’s wife Majella O’Donnell joined him on stage, visibly proud. “He’s worked so hard for so many years,” she said, “but he’s never lost his kindness. What you see on stage is the same man you see at home — humble, caring, and grateful.”
The audience gave Daniel a standing ovation as he was officially welcomed into the Hall of Fame by veteran broadcaster Larry Cunningham Jr., who praised him for “keeping the heart of Irish country music beating for over four decades.”
Fellow artists, including Philomena Begley, Mike Denver, and Cliona Hagan, also paid tribute via recorded messages, calling him “a national treasure” and “the gold standard of Irish country.”
As the ceremony concluded, Daniel took to the stage once more — this time to perform a stirring rendition of “How Great Thou Art.” The performance brought the audience to tears and perfectly encapsulated his lifelong message of gratitude and faith.
💬 “I’ve been blessed with so much — good friends, loyal fans, and the chance to sing songs that mean something to people,” Daniel said, closing the show. “This award isn’t just for me. It’s for everyone who believed in me from the beginning.”
The evening ended with a standing ovation that lasted well into the credits — a fitting tribute to a man whose music, humility, and heart have touched generations.
Daniel O’Donnell, now officially an Irish Country Music Hall of Famer, continues to prove that true legends don’t just make music — they make memories that last a lifetime.