They are one of Ireland’s most loved couples, but Daniel and Majella’s marriage has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years.
The couple is getting set to celebrate their 24th wedding anniversary this November, and with Daniel taking a step back from performing, the couple is enjoying life to the full.
Loving their role as Nana and Gaga, Daniel is still very in tune with his wife’s mental health, knowing that there are good days and bad, and it is something they tackle together.
In 2024, Majella found herself in a dark place and was advised by her GP to stay in a psychiatric hospital.
Texting Daniel and her family, she told them: ‘I love you all, but I have nothing to say, so please give me time to try to come back to life again.’
Chatting with EVOKE at the unveiling of a special exhibition at the Museum of Style Icons at Newbridge Silverware in Co. Kildare, in honour of the couple, we asked Daniel how he felt knowing the woman he loved was in so much pain.
He said: ‘I remember saying to a friend of hers, Father Martin, “I wonder what will happen if she doesn’t come out?” Because she’d never been that ill before. She’d never fallen that far.’
Trying to be strong, he admitted: ‘I just hoped that she would get better… if that had to be my sacrifice [staying away] for her to get better. It wasn’t much for me to do.’
Thankfully, after help from the professionals, Majella was feeling her ‘old self’ again, but Daniel knew that without their help, it may not have been possible.
It’s great that the facility was there that she could go to, Saint John of God’s, and that she got the care and the treatment she needed.’
Crowds gather to meet Daniel and Majella O'Donnell as their exhibition opens
