DANIEL O’DONNELL PLUNGED INTO GRIEF AFTER DEATH OF BELOVED MUSIC MANAGER KIERAN CAVANAGH — “A TRUE FRIEND AND LEGEND OF SHOWBIZ”
The world of Irish music is in mourning following the death of Kieran Cavanagh, the longtime promoter and manager of country music legend Daniel O’Donnell. Kieran, one of Ireland’s most respected figures in entertainment, passed away on Tuesday after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family at St. Vincent’s Private Hospital in Dublin.
In an emotional statement, Daniel O’Donnell expressed his heartbreak over the loss of a man he called both a mentor and a dear friend:
“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my friend and manager, Kieran Cavanagh. Kieran died this morning in the wonderful care of St Vincent’s Private Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Please keep them in your prayers at this very difficult time.”
Funeral arrangements for Kieran are expected to be announced in the coming days.
A native of Easkey, County Sligo, Kieran Cavanagh’s name has long been synonymous with excellence in Irish entertainment. Known for his warmth, integrity, and tireless dedication, he built an extraordinary career that spanned five decades — first as a musician, then as a promoter, and ultimately as one of the industry’s most trusted managers.
Kieran’s journey began in the 1970s, when he played bass guitar in an Irish showband called The New Blues. His passion for music and his sharp business instincts soon led him into the world of concert promotion — a decision that would change Irish music history forever.
At just 27 years old, Kieran made a bold move that would launch his international career: he flew to America and successfully negotiated a deal to bring Johnny Cash to Ireland. The resulting tour was a massive success — both financially and culturally — and cemented Kieran’s reputation as one of Ireland’s most capable and visionary promoters.
From that moment on, Kieran became the bridge between Ireland and Nashville, bringing some of the biggest names in American country music to Irish audiences. Over the years, he promoted tours for George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Glen Campbell, Tom T. Hall, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Buck Owens, and Kris Kristofferson, among many others.
But perhaps one of the most remarkable chapters of Kieran’s career came when he worked with the legendary Jerry Lee Lewis, the rock ’n’ roll pioneer affectionately known as “The Killer.” In the early 1990s, Kieran was called upon by Lewis himself to help manage his finances and career at a time when the star was facing serious legal and tax troubles in the United States.
Through determination and loyalty, Kieran helped Jerry Lee Lewis rebuild his fortune and reputation, organizing tours that saw the artist earn more than a million dollars in a single year — enough to clear his U.S. tax debt and restore his standing in the industry. Those who knew Kieran say that despite working with some of the world’s most famous musicians — including Bruce Springsteen and Ronnie Wood — he remained humble, good-humored, and deeply proud of his Irish roots.
His connection to Daniel O’Donnell stretched back decades. Kieran first promoted Daniel’s concerts in the 1980s, including the singer’s landmark show at The Point Theatre in Dublin in 1992 — a performance that helped catapult Daniel to a new level of international recognition. Their friendship and professional relationship deepened over the years, and in 2015, when Daniel’s longtime manager Seán Reilly retired, Kieran stepped in to oversee Daniel’s international career full-time.
For Daniel, Kieran was far more than a business partner — he was a confidant, an advisor, and a constant source of support. Friends say the two men shared not only a love of music but also a mutual respect built on trust and integrity. “They were like brothers,” one close associate shared. “Kieran believed in Daniel completely, and Daniel trusted him with everything.”
Tributes have poured in from across the Irish entertainment world, remembering Kieran as a visionary who transformed live music in Ireland and a gentleman who treated everyone — from global stars to local crew members — with the same kindness and respect.
One former colleague described him as “a man who opened doors for others while never closing any behind him.” Another wrote, “Kieran Cavanagh didn’t just manage artists — he cared for them.”
As Daniel O’Donnell prepares to return home from Tenerife to attend the funeral, fans around the world have joined him in mourning the loss of one of Ireland’s true music pioneers.
Kieran Cavanagh’s life was a testament to dedication, vision, and faith in the power of music to connect people. His work brought joy to millions, and his legacy will live on through every song, every stage, and every life he touched.
A gentle soul, a brilliant mind, and a man who gave his all to the world of music — Kieran Cavanagh will be deeply missed.