Watch as 99-Year-Old Irish Woman Sings “Danny Boy” With Her Hero Daniel O’Donnell — A Heart-Melting Moment at the Wexford Opera House
WEXFORD, IRELAND — Concert halls often echo with music, applause, and excitement — but every so often, they hold a moment so pure and unforgettable that it becomes part of the audience’s personal history. That is exactly what happened at the Wexford Opera House, where beloved Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell made one 99-year-old fan’s dream come true in front of a delighted crowd.
Her name is Kitty Cosgrave, and at nearly a century old, she has loved Daniel O’Donnell’s music for decades. She attended the concert with her granddaughter Val — expecting a wonderful evening, but nothing like the once-in-a-lifetime moment that unfolded before them.
Partway through the show, Daniel stepped off the stage and walked through the audience, stopping beside Kitty and Val. With his trademark warmth and gentleness, he greeted Kitty, asking her a few simple questions — how she was feeling, whether she was enjoying the show, and how long she had been following his music.
Kitty, glowing with the excitement of being face-to-face with her musical hero, answered with clarity and charm that immediately won over the crowd. Daniel then asked her a question that would transform the night:
“And what’s your favorite song, Kitty?”
Without hesitation, Kitty replied:
“Danny Boy.”
The audience responded with affectionate laughter and applause — but what Daniel said next took everyone by surprise.
“Well,” he said with a smile, “we better give it a go.”
The orchestra grew quiet. The crowd held its breath. And in that moment, Daniel invited Kitty into a duet she would remember for the rest of her life.
As the opening notes of Danny Boy began softly in the background, Daniel leaned close so Kitty could hear him. Together, the two began singing — Daniel’s smooth, gentle voice blending with Kitty’s trembling but determined tone. The hall fell completely silent, not out of solemnity but awe, witnessing a moment that felt as intimate as a family gathering and as profound as a national treasure.
Kitty’s eyes sparkled. Daniel held her hand. And the entire room felt the emotional weight of the moment — a 99-year-old woman singing her favorite song with the artist she has cherished for years.
Granddaughter Val Cosgrave later told the Irish Mirror,
“She’s a massive fan of Daniel’s. She listens to him every evening on her daughter Bernadette’s mobile. She is absolutely incredible.”
The video of the duet quickly spread online, capturing hearts across Ireland and beyond. Social media lit up with comments praising Daniel’s kindness, Kitty’s spirit, and the emotional power of witnessing someone at 99 years old still living life with joy, gratitude, and music in her heart.
This touching encounter is far from unusual for Daniel O’Donnell, whose reputation for humility, generosity, and deep connection with his fans has earned him admiration around the world. But even by Daniel’s standards, this moment was extraordinary — a reminder that music is not just entertainment, but a force that connects generations, heals loneliness, and creates memories that last far beyond the final note.
The Wexford Opera House audience rose in a wave of applause when the duet ended. Kitty beamed, Daniel kissed her on the cheek, and the room erupted in warmth that no stage lighting could replicate.
It was not just a performance —
it was a celebration of love, longevity, and the magic that happens when an artist gives a piece of his heart to the people who have given him theirs.
And in that moment, standing beside a nearly 100-year-old woman singing “Danny Boy,” Daniel O’Donnell showed once again why he remains one of Ireland’s most cherished performers.