Country Star Daniel O’Donnell to Headline Tribute Concert for Andrew McGinley’s Children

Beloved Irish country singer Daniel O’Donnell has been announced as the headliner for a deeply emotional and meaningful concert in memory of Andrew McGinley’s three children — Conor, Darragh, and Carla — who tragically lost their lives in 2020. The Donegal-born superstar will take the stage at the Newcastle Community Centre in County Dublin on June 2 next year, marking his first live concert in Ireland since 2019.

For Andrew McGinley, the heartbroken father who has spent the last several years honoring his children’s memory through community and charitable initiatives, Daniel’s decision to perform is nothing short of overwhelming. Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, Andrew expressed both disbelief and gratitude. “It’s absolutely fantastic and I’m ecstatic — I can’t thank Daniel enough,” he said. “We could not have got a bigger act. I’m just hoping that the event will be a big success.”

The concert, which will raise funds in honor of the three children, promises to be a night filled with both music and meaning — a celebration of life, love, and resilience through unimaginable loss. Andrew revealed that the idea for the event came from his children’s deep love for music. “The kids were hugely into music,” he said. “It’s always been something that kept their spirit alive in our home, and this tribute is a way of continuing that joy — not in sadness, but in remembrance.”

Andrew’s appeal for artists on social media was quickly noticed by figures across the Irish entertainment world, but it was the warm-hearted Donegal man himself — Daniel O’Donnell — who responded and agreed to headline the show. “When Daniel said yes, I just couldn’t believe it,” Andrew shared. “He’s someone we’ve all looked up to, not just as a singer, but as a kind and genuine person. To have him come from our own county makes it even more special.”

Daniel, known not only for his rich musical legacy but also for his compassion and generosity, has long been involved in charity work throughout Ireland. Those close to the singer say he was moved by Andrew’s strength and his dedication to keeping his children’s memory alive.

The tragic loss of Conor, Darragh, and Carla — killed by their mother Deirdre Morley, who was found not guilty of their murder by reason of insanity in May 2020 — shocked Ireland and left the nation grieving alongside the McGinley family. Since then, Andrew has devoted his time to projects inspired by his children, including As Darragh Did, an initiative encouraging community involvement and kindness in honor of his son.

The upcoming concert is expected to draw hundreds from across Ireland, with proceeds going toward charities that support children’s causes and community programs. For many, it represents not only a chance to hear one of Ireland’s most beloved artists live again, but also to stand in solidarity with a father who has turned heartbreak into hope.

Daniel O’Donnell’s participation has already sparked an outpouring of emotion online, with fans calling it “a beautiful gesture” and “proof once again that Daniel has the biggest heart in show business.”

For Andrew McGinley, it’s a chance to bring people together — through music, through remembrance, and through love. “This is for Conor, Darragh, and Carla,” he said softly. “They deserve to be remembered with joy, with laughter, and with the songs that made them happy. And having Daniel here to help us do that… well, that’s something I’ll never forget.”