In pictures: Daniel O’Donnell delights crowd at Red Hugh O’Donnell parade

Click on the arrows to go through the photos by Joe Boland (North West Newspix)

Country music legend Daniel O’Donnell was a surprise guest at the annual Red Hugh O’Donnell birthday celebrations in Lifford on Saturday.

Daniel took to the stage and charmed the audience with his warmth, humility, and timeless voice - reminding everyone why he remains such a treasured ambassador for Irish culture and community spirit. Daniel was joined by local entertainer Jim ‘Farmer’ Harte, whose energy and charisma added even more joy to the celebrations.

Chairman of the Red Hugh O'Donnell Association in Ireland, Mr. Eddie Crawford, hailed the event as a “huge success,” noting that the “parade has brought together some of the Irish clans for the first time in over 450 years.” 

Among those represented were the O'Donnells, Sweeneys, Gallaghers, Maguires, and O'Neills; families whose shared heritage reaches back to the time of Red Hugh O'Donnell, one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains.

The day’s events commemorated the remarkable history of Red Hugh O'Donnell, a central figure in the Nine Years War (1594–1603), a defining struggle in Irish history that saw the Gaelic lords unite to resist English rule and defend Ireland’s sovereignty.

The parade marched proudly through the streets of historic Lifford, concluding at The Diamond, home to the Donegal County Council headquarters, as Lifford serves as the administrative capital of the county. There, the crowd gathered for music, dance, and celebration under the autumn skies.

Distinguished guests in attendance included: Caithaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Paul Canning; Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh; CEO of Donegal County Council, Mr. John McLoughlin; and The Cathaoirleach of the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District, Mr. Martin Harley, along with councillors Patrick McGowan and Gary Doherty. 

The parade featured outstanding performances from The Rannafast and Dungloe Junior Bands as well as the Murlog School Band, who reunited for the first time in many years especially for this historic occasion. 

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The Red Hugh O'Donnell Association extended heartfelt thanks to all sponsors who made the day possible: Donegal County Council, Lifford Credit Union, Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal Group, Joe Russell, DS&R Traffic Management, The Farmers Home Bar and Off Sales, Jim Farmer Harte Music, and Fearghal McLoughlin Music.

Mr Crawford expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the ongoing collaboration with colleagues in Spain through The Hispano-Irish Association, led by its President Mr. Carlos Burgos.