THOUSANDS EXPECTED TO ATTEND FUNERAL OF DANIEL O’DONNELL’S MOTHER

Daniel O'Donnell and his mum Julia who passed away on Sunday morning

Daniel O’Donnell and his mum Julia who passed away on Sunday morning

GARDAI are expecting thousands of people to attend the funeral tomorrow of Daniel O’Donnell’s mother.

Julia O’Donnell died in the early hours of Sunday morning aged 94.

On Sunday afternoon, hundreds of people turned up as her remains were removed from a funeral home to be waked at her home in Kincaslagh.

The removal was delayed by half an hour such was the crowd who came to pay their respects.

Julia’s son James sat in the hearse carrying his late mother.

His other siblings Daniel, John, Margo and Kathleen followed in cars behind the cortege.

Daniel was driven by his wife Majella who recently fought her own personal battle against cancer..

The cortege was given a Garda escort as people lined the streets of Dungloe.

One local Garda remarked “Julia always wanted a trip in a Garda car for the fun of it – she didn’t get one so it was fitting today that we provided an escort.”

The Daniel O’Donnell Visitors Centre closed as a mark of respect as staff stood outside

Julia will be waked at her home in Kincasslagh before being taken to St Mary’s Church in Kincasslagh for funeral mass on Tuesday afternoon.

Traffic restrictions are expected to be put in place in the West Donegal village due to the large number of mourners expected at the wake and funeral.

A heartbroken Daniel told his legions of fans of his mum’s death by posting a message on his Facebook account.

“It is with great sadness that we have to announce that our dear mother Julia passed away peacefully in the loving care of the staff of Dungloe Hospital surrounded by her family at Sunday at 3.50am.

“My siblings John, Margaret, Kathleen, James and myself would like to thank you all for the kindness shown to her down through the years.

“May her gentle soul rest in peace,” he said.

Daniel’s sister Margo has revealed how she had spent the past number of weeks reading her soon-to-be published autobiography to her mum.

“A very sad day for me and my siblings, my mam passed away in the early hours.

“John Bosco, myself, Kathleen, James and Daniel all spent special time by her bedside, also her nephews and nieces.

“My mum was so looking forward to my autobiography being published. I am glad I spent time over the past few months reading paragraphs to her,” she said.

Over 4,000 people have left messages of condolence on his Facebook page.

Daniel was due to perform at a concert to raise funds for Dungloe Community Hospital on Sunday.

Organisers cancelled the event as a mark of respect to the late Mrs O’Donnell.

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One Response to THOUSANDS EXPECTED TO ATTEND FUNERAL OF DANIEL O’DONNELL’S MOTHER

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