Alan Steppe
Daniel O’Donnell, the country music legend, has a genuine appreciation for certain things in life. He really loves his family, music, golf, and online bridge. It turns out he’s quite the gamer, but I’ll tell you more about that later. Oh, and he’s also really into toilets.
Last week, Daniel and his wife Majella had a conversation about Daniel’s fondness for bathrooms, or rather, his love for having multiple bathrooms. He doesn’t hide his love for a lavatory, as everyone found out on RTÉ’s Room To Improve. The couple’s home received an amazing makeover by Dermot Bannon.
Daniel mentioned that he really wanted to have en-suite bathrooms in as many rooms as possible. However, this desire was causing the bill to increase, which was making Daniel feel frustrated.
“Oh yeah, the toilets,” he chuckles. “See, it’s not necessary to have them, but if you can, why not?” he explains, speaking from Siobhán’s house in Banbridge, Co. Down. He’s staying there for a few days until Majella returns home from Tenerife, their second home.
Oh, it’s such a fantastic show! He expresses his amazement when asked if he watched the series finale last Sunday. During the episode, Majella playfully teased Dermot as they reminisced about their favorite episodes. It was a great experience to see what was accomplished and what is possible. It’s absolutely stunning – we can never get enough of it.
I wouldn’t change anything about it, and I believe Majella feels the same way. Last week, it was confirmed that she would have preferred not to have an additional ensuite in one of the spare bedrooms. “But you know, the kids use that when they’re here,” Daniel says, talking about their three grandchildren, Olivia (six years old), Archie (four years old), and Luke (six months old).
It is used frequently. I’m finished discussing talking toilets, now it’s time to focus on the main activity of the day, which is touring. Daniel is going to have his first live concerts in Ireland since 2020, when they got cancelled because of Covid. He’s really excited about it and can’t wait for August to come. The concerts will be held at the INEC Killarney.
He says, ‘These shows are the first big ones we’ve had here, and I’ve really missed them.’ I’ve been longing for the energy and connection with the audience that comes with performing live shows.
I believe that when we began performing shows in the UK towards the end of last year, the atmosphere was more subdued. I believe things are getting better now, but you may notice some improvements over the next year or so. Older individuals, in particular, tend to be more cautious when it comes to going out.
It’s really difficult when you spend almost two years telling people to stay away and not do certain things, and then suddenly it’s like, ‘Yeah, now you can do that.’
Getting your confidence back can be really challenging. Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, I wasn’t able to meet anyone for tea or chats after the shows. So, I’m not sure how we’ll be able to work around that.
Indeed, due to the Covid situation, Daniel’s well-known tea parties for his fans have been temporarily postponed. However, he is eagerly looking forward to hitting the road again in August. Surprisingly, the pandemic hasn’t been entirely negative for him. He admits that he loves doing the shows, but he also loves having some time off. I’ve reached a stage in my life where I have the option to work for about four or five months in a year.
During the Covid pandemic, I found myself getting some much-needed rest. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel bored or anxious about not being able to work. I fully accepted it. However, I believe that the younger individuals in the industry were definitely affected by this situation. They are in the process of establishing themselves and it is crucial for them to be active in their field, working and earning a living. I find myself in a new phase of my life and career.
During lockdown, Daniel found another way to keep himself occupied: gaming. Specifically, he got into online bridge. He began playing six years ago, and it has since become a true passion for him. When he has the opportunity, he enjoys playing with online partners for up to three nights a week.
He says, “I really love it.” I enjoy that and also playing golf. I’m not really a fan of exercising, so golf is pretty much the only physical activity I engage in. I try to walk as much as possible. There are plenty of golf buggies available in Tenerife, but I always prefer to walk.
As we age, it’s common for weight to gradually increase, and I find myself having a bit of a challenge with that, you know. He laughs and says that occasionally he needs to take a break from the table. It’s obvious that Daniel, despite turning 60, hasn’t been affected at all.
Daniel and Majella first met when Siobhán and Michael, her children, were still young. Daniel expresses his gratitude that he didn’t encounter any challenges when he became their stepfather. I never intended to replace their dad or anything like that. He reveals that we have a close relationship with them and that we have only had wonderful experiences together.
I have never regretted not having children of my own, and I have never felt like I am missing out on anything. He honestly says, “I am truly happy and satisfied with where I am in life and the strong connection I have with Majella’s children.”
Yes, it’s true! Wee Daniel, the country superstar, has now become a hands-on grandad, and this role brings him the utmost happiness. I absolutely love having grandkids. They bring so much joy and happiness into my life. He says that they are actually the best ever.
They really don’t care about your identity, connections, or possessions. What matters to them is simply how they perceive you. I’m sorry, but I don’t understand what you’re trying to say. Can you please provide Daniel’s Irish tour will begin at INEC Killarney from August 25th to 28th.
