Brush with death changed my whole outlook on life, says Daniel O’Donnell

Here comes summer! And that means summer holidays, something we all need from time to time, according to Daniel O’Donnell.

He may still be one of the world’s busiest singers but insists on not letting work get in the way of his getaways.

“Everyone needs a holiday, even if they are retired,” said Daniel, who spends much of his spare time in Tenerife.

“It’s not just a break from work but from your usual surroundings. I know that I have sometimes overworked and had a few health scares.

“That’s when I stopped looking at holidays as a luxury and saw them as necessary.”

Daniel has indeed had some health scares.

“When I was ill a few years back, there was a chance that I would not make it, let alone that I wouldn’t perform again,” the singer revealed.

“That does kind of make you look at life from a different angle.

“Your mind and body seem to need a different environment and a different approach for a while, sometimes even for just a day or two.

“When my wife Majella was diagnosed with cancer, there was no hesitation.

“I knew that we were going to have to take time out to give her the very best chance of recovery.

“I could not expect her to carry on chasing around the world with me as if everything was just fine.

“I love my work, I love my music and I love all the fans all over the world,” he added, “but your health and the health of your family must come first.”

There were those who thought that Daniel had decided to retire.

“How can you retire from music?” he responded. “Music is inside all of us and you cannot retire from a way of life. No, retirement has never been on the cards.

“Perhaps it will happen one day but I have no idea when. Never, as far as I am concerned.

“We had to take time out for Majella, and it was the best thing we could have done.

“With medical attention and God’s blessing, she has made a brilliant recovery from her cancer and we hope it will leave her alone.

“Of course she has also taken advantage of the time out by knitting like mad for our forthcoming grandchild.

“I knew she could knit but I didn’t realise that she could be a turbo knittter. I suppose that’s the kind of thing I mean about taking a break from what is normal.”

Daniel is in a good position to take holidays. He has no money worries and he has a home in Tenerife as well as Ireland, so he can go whenever he wishes.

“It’s true that I am very privileged but it has not always been like that,” Daniel recalled.

“I can remember when we just could not afford a holiday when I was a kid but we were still able to make a change from the norm and do things together as a family and that’s what holidays are all about.

“I have always believed you can go for a week’s holiday, a month’s holiday or just an afternoon’s holiday simply by taking time off and doing something different.”

“An afternoon off does not seem like most people’s idea of a holiday but Daniel insists that it is the change of pace that really matters.

“If you can go out somewhere, anywhere and leave behind all the cares of daily life, you are having a holiday,” he insisted.

“I know that in today’s world, holidays can be expensive, and sometimes it is difficult to take even a week away from work but a holiday does not have to be a long time and it doesn’t have to be in a luxury hotel or a villa with a heated swimming pool.

“It doesn’t even have to be far from home. It is just a way of giving yourself a change, something else to think about and enjoy.

“Most of all, relaxing is the best medicine, it is totally refreshing.”

Daniel has relaxed in Tenerife for many years although he has travelled the world and could holiday almost anywhere.

“I love travelling and seeing places and meeting people,” he said.

“I was amazed when we did a concert in Sri Lanka. I didn’t expect anyone to turn up for a Daniel O’Donnell concert but there were 4,000 people in the audience. What a beautiful country.

“There are so many beautiful places in the world, it is such a great shame that many of them have been scarred by wars and other problems.

“For my holidays, I always go to Tenerife or, of course, Ireland, which has a beauty all of its own.

“I first went to Tenerife because it was recommended. I was told if you want sunshine and warmth, beautiful beaches and sea and just a lovely atmosphere, try Tenerife.

“When I had the chance, I did just that and have been going there ever since.

“We have our own place now but I used to rent an apartment there and became friends with other regulars. Everyone knows Majella and I met there, so what better holiday could I have had.”

Daniel was born in Dungloe and brought up in the village of Kincasslagh, in the region of County Donegal known as the Rosses. Having grown up there, why would he consider it a great place to holiday?

“I just love it,” he explained. “I have always tried to spend time there but of course, my work has taken me away many times, too many times some years.

“So when I am back there, it is like a holiday for me and it’s such a beautiful place.

“The whole area is steeped in history and culture, and Irish people are known for their hospitality and general friendliness.

“It has some of the most breathtaking landscapes you will ever see and I am always refreshed when I am on home soil.

“As I said before, we all need a break, especially if we are busy.

“Just do what you can afford and if it is only one day somewhere, go for it.

“Just remember to leave your worries at home, oh yes, and don’t forget to send me a ‘wish you were here’ postcard! Have a great time and a great holiday.”