Daniel O’Donnell has looked back on one of the most emotional moments of his career, recalling the shock of being surprised on This Is Your Life in front of a live audience.
DANIEL AND MAJELLA O’DONNELL SHOW OFF THEIR WEDDING OUTFITS
Daniel O’Donnell and his wife, Majella photographed at Newbridge Silverware in Newbridge. Co. Kildare where the popular couple opened a special exhibition at the Museum of Style Icons featuring stage worn costumes, accessories and even the couple’s own wedding attire. Titled “Daniel & Majella O’Donnell – Music, Style & Memories,” the free to enter exhibition offers visitors a unique glimpse into the couple’s life and Daniel’s incredible musical career. The exhibits will now form part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Style Icons which is open 7 days a week. www.newbridgesilverware.com
**NO FEE*** Photography: Conor Healy / Picture It Photography
Daniel O’Donnell has shared the story behind one of the most memorable moments of his career as a new exhibition celebrating his life in music opens to the public.
The permanent exhibition, Daniel & Majella O’Donnell — Music, Style & Memories , features a collection of stage costumes worn by the Donegal star over the years, from performances at the Sydney Opera House to the iconic Ryman Auditorium.
Alongside the outfits, fans can also see a range of personal memorabilia, including gold discs, his honorary MBE, and the famous red book from the TV show This Is Your Life.
Speaking at the launch, Daniel recalled the moment he was unexpectedly honoured on the programme back in 2000.
“I was playing Sunday Night at the Palladium with other artists in 2000, when Michael Aspel came out on stage,” he explained.
“I’d always watched the show, so I was interested to see who he was surprising on the night.”
At first, Daniel was convinced the surprise was meant for someone else.
“In fairness, I thought it would be Engelbert Humperdinck who was standing close to me,” he said.
“So I decided I would stand back and get a good look at him — to see how he reacted and try to figure out, did he know or was it a prank?”
But the reality quickly dawned on him.
“I nearly collapsed when Aspel came over to me!”
Looking back, Daniel said there were subtle clues in the lead-up that something was happening, though he didn’t fully piece it together at the time.
“I phoned home that day and, God rest my sister Kathleen, she told me not to be phoning anymore because there was a wire down at the pier and they were going to cut off the phone,” he recalled.
“I remember thinking afterwards, ‘That’s strange.’ There were little things people said that didn’t quite add up — they didn’t tell lies, but they had a variation of the truth. And then all of a sudden, it all fell into place.”
The exhibition launch drew fans from across the country, many of whom travelled long distances to be there — something Daniel and his wife Majella said they will never take for granted.
“I don’t know how many people are here today, but already we’ve seen people who have come from Omagh, from Waterford, from Antrim — and we would know them,” he said.
“We’re so grateful that they would make the effort to be here. It’s amazing that people want to do that. It’s not a concert or a show, but they just want to be a part of something that’s happening in our lives.”
After decades in the spotlight, Daniel said it’s the loyalty of his fans that means the most.
“As much as we’ve given, we have got back tenfold,” he added.
“The people who have followed what I do through the years have been so loyal. I’m grateful beyond belief — I would never take that for granted.”
Titled Daniel & Majella O’Donnell – Music, Style & Memories, the exhibition offers a heartfelt and intimate look into the couple’s life together, as well as Daniel’s legendary decades-long career in country music and entertainment.
A highlight of the exhibition is the couple’s wedding attire from their special day at St. Mary’s Church in Kincasslagh, Donegal, in 2002.
Majella’s wedding dress, alongside her tiara, and Daniel’s three-piece suit and wedding shoes are on display, offering fans a close-up look at one of the most cherished moments in their lives.
The Museum of Style Icons at Newbridge Silverware is open seven days a week. Admission to the exhibition is free and visitors of all ages are welcome.
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