When Nora Canny from Galway turned 96 yesterday, she got a huge surprise when she got a birthday message from none other than Kincasslagh crooner Daniel O Donnell!
Nora, who has lived in Britain since 1947, is one of Daniel’s biggest fans.
Speaking to the Irish Post Nora said; “Oh my gosh, honestly, I could not believe it. I was so shocked and delighted. Isn’t it marvellous the things you can do now!”
Nora had missed Daniel’s most recent gig in Birmingham due to a stay in hospital, so to make up for it her granddaughter Colette came up with the fantastic idea of reaching out to Daniel and getting a personal birthday wish from the man himself.
Colette said; “The first thing she said was, ‘How does he know?’, at which point we all burst out laughing and she said ‘One of ye must have called him’.”
Nora all dolled up in younger years
“I decided to get in touch with Daniel because grandma has had such a difficult year. She has spent a lot of time in hospital due to her hip which kept dislocating.”
“We would play Daniel to her in the hospital when she was anxious to calm her down.”
“Danny Boy is her absolute favourite. We even got the hospital radio station to play it for her.”
“Daniel was playing in Birmingham last month. I’d have loved to take grandma, but she just wasn’t up to it. I thought a card off Daniel would be the next best thing. So I was absolutely bowled over when his PA sent me that video.”
“We all absolutely adore her, which is what made last night’s surprise all the more special, I have never seen her look so shocked, seeing Daniel O’Donnell on her telly wishing her a happy birthday.”
“She only got out of hospital last week after a whole month, so this birthday was a particularly special occasion for her and us.”
In the video Daniel says; “Hope that you have a wonderful day all together and enjoy every minute. Take care and all the best”
Although the video is unfocused, there’s no mistaking the whopping cheers at the end!
Well done to Daniel for sending Nora this lovely message, and happy belated birthday Nora!
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