Daniel and Majella O’Donnell launch collection at Newbridge Silverware
Pictured is Daniel O’Donnell singing alongside his wife Majella at Newbridge Silverware Photography: Conor Healy / Picture It Photography
A HOST of loyal fans took a trip out to Newbridge Silverware to meet Daniel O’Donnell and his wife Majella for the opening of a special exhibition at the Museum of Style Icons, featuring stage worn costumes, accessories and even the couple’s own wedding attire.
The couple made their way to the stage at the back of the museum and was joined by Newbridge Silverware’s Aileen O’Brien and TV personality and hotelier, Noel Cunningham for a panel interview at the exhibition’s opening on Wednesday, 22 April.
The pair spoke on the exhibition, their special wedding day, and important subjects such as mental health.
Majella spoke about the importance of using her voice for mental health advocacy and to “demystify” the stigma around it as someone who has received psychiatric care in the past.
“When you have a voice it’s almost a duty for you to go up and speak about things that people go through,” she said.
The couple brought attention to a wonderful Donegal charity, Gemma’s Legacy of Hope, a charity that provides vital counselling services to children, young people and families in Donegal, which Newbridge Silverware will give a donation to.
The couple spoke of their family life and the four – and soon to be five – grandchildren that have brought so much joy to their lives.
Later Daniel spoke to the room about his fans and their loyalty:
“People that have followed me down through the years have been so loyal,” he said. “I’m grateful beyond belief and I would never take that for granted.” He then spoke about the significance of the exhibition, pointing to the jumper sewn by his late mother, Julia O’Donnell, and worn by him while recording his first record, which is on display at the museum.
“When people think of icons they think of Audrey Hepburn and Princess Diana, and then it says sweater sewn by Julia O’Donnell.” He continued: “Life is not about the value something has, it’s the memory it holds and that’s what makes it valuable.” Downstairs, a crowd of fans waited to meet the popular couple while some music entertainment was provided in the café, with plenty of singing along and a bit of jiving as well, before the main man himself got up to sing some hits.
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.
