Daniel performs hymn for city Massgoers

Singing star, Daniel O’Donnell didn’t bat an eyelid when he was asked to sing a hymn at Mass in Knocknacarra over the weekend.

The Donegal man was visiting Galway friends and was attending the Saturday vigil Mass in St John the Apostle Church when he was informed that it was also the funeral Mass of a woman who had been to one of his concerts just months ago.

The body of Etta Hernon of Furrymelia, Barna, formerly of Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, had been brought into the church after reposing all afternoon in St Anthony’s room adjacent to the church.

The woman, in her fifties died following a fall in her home and had seen Daniel in concert in Castlebar earlier in the year.

Fr Rob McNamara CC in Knocknacarra, who was celebrating the Mass approached Mr O’Donnell and asked if he would sing a hymn.

The singing star agreed immediately and sang Be Not Afraid on the altar after the Homily.

The very popular Catholic hymn is often sung at funerals and Mr O’Donnell recorded it for the album, Faith and Inspiration, which he recorded in 2000.

Just like his live concerts, members of the congregation queued up after Mass to meet him and he graciously posed for photographs and signed autographs for up to an hour causing great excitement.

A spokesperson for Knocknacarra Church confirmed that Mr O’Donnell had been at Mass in a private capacity but had performed when told that the late Mrs Hernon had been a fan.

Mrs Hernon’s family were apparently very  touched by his kind gesture.

He is a regular visitor to Galway since his student days. He attended GMIT and stayed with the Nugent family in Renmore.

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.