Daniel receives Freedom of Donegal
There was standing room only at County House in Lifford when the singer turned up to receive the Freedom of Co Donegal.
O’Donnell, 50, received the award in recognition of his contribution to music and the ambassadorial role he has undertaken for Donegal for decades.
He is the fifth person to receive the honour, joining sportstars Shay Given and Packie Bonner, songwriter Phil Coulter and the Brennan family from Clannad.
Those who joined the entertainer included his wife Majella, mother Julia, sister Kathleen, brother John Bosco and sister Margo. Among the many guests were singer/songwriter Pete St John and Canadian ambassador to Ireland, Loyola Ahern.
The singer said he was genuinely overwhelmed by the honour. “This is a privilege that I never expected but I am delighted and thrilled.”
He said he was happy he was in a position to be an ambassador for Donegal and Ireland. “It’s not difficult to polish a diamond.”
O’Donnell received a specially commissioned badge and pin. The badge, made by Letterkenny artist Geraldine Hannigan and mounted on a background designed by Fionntan Gogarty of Artwoks, is a silver replication of the county badge.
Mr Ahern said his wife Maureen was Daniel’s biggest fan. “Our house is filled with Daniel O’Donnell memorabilia from calendars to books.
“My wife said she always wanted to meet Daniel — well today that’s mission accomplished.”
O’Donnell capped off the event with a rendition of My Donegal Shore.
