Town to honour Daniel O’Donnell for his contribution to tourism

Singing legend Daniel O’Donnell is to be honoured for his contribution to the multi-million-euro tourism industry in Killarney, Co Kerry.

The country star is to be inducted into the Order of Innisfallen which recognises contributions made to the area’s economy by people from outside Killarney, especially in the tourism sector.

O’Donnell will perform for five nights at the INEC, Gleneagle Hotel, between August 12 and August 17 — his only concerts in Ireland this year.

All the concerts have been sold out and will be attended by a total of 10,000 people, whose visit will also give a business boost to the general Killarney area.

Fans from as far away as the US and Australia are coming to see him perform.

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce president Johnny McGuire said the INEC had attracted renowned performers from around the world over the years, but O’Donnell stood head and shoulders above the rest in terms of popularity, audience numbers and business generated.

“Many months in advance of his INEC concerts, the Killarney accommodation sector experiences substantial advance bookings,’’ he added.

“Around the time of his concerts, the wider tourism services sectors of dining, attractions, transport, pubs and retail all experience a marked increase in business.”

Mayor of Killarney Municipal Authority John Joe Culloty said Daniel O’Donnell’s choice of Killarney as his only venue for concerts in Ireland this year was a very positive reflection on the town and the welcome that he and his fans had received in Killarney.

INEC managing director Patrick O’Donoghue said the singer’s popularity was unfaltering and he was one of the greatest entertainers ever to come through the doors of the Gleneagle Hotel, which has been a major entertainment venue for well over 50 years.

The formal induction into the Order of Innisfallen will be performed by Mr Culloty, at a ceremony to be held in Muckross House, Killarney, on August 15.

Later, at that evening’s concert, Mr Culloty will present him with a special memento to mark the occasion.