Daniel returns there
nearly every year as a token of his appreciation for
the support the Early family gave him at the start
of his musical career.
However, tonight's event will be the first show the
singer has given on the island in three years. It
will also be the first since the death in May of his
beloved mother Julia (94), who was born on nearby
Owey Island and was a regular attendee at the
Arranmore concerts.
"This will be a hugely emotional night for all of
us," said bar owner Jerry Early.
His parents Mary and Andrew were among the first to
spot the young singer's potential in the early 1980s
before he shot to worldwide fame.
It was also on Arranmore that Daniel, then in his
20s, first experienced the thrill of a 'packed
house'.
An intimate gathering of some 170 fans will file
into the hall for this evening’s gig at 9pm. The
front rows of seats are being reserved for native
islanders, as requested by Daniel.
"Julia always came to the concerts and we're
planning to reserve an empty seat in her memory. She
always sat in a wee corner at the back,” added Mr
Early.
He said Daniel was bringing his full production to
the island for the first time. His musicians,
backing singers and co-star Mary Duff will travel to
the event by 5pm car ferry from Burtonport with late
sailings scheduled to bring them back again after
the gig.
"The pipe band will meet them at the pier and will
pipe them up to the venue," he added.
"The fact that this is the only concert Daniel is
doing in Ireland this year apart from Killarney is a
huge, huge honour for us.
"We're humbled that Donegal's most famous and
favourite son is coming back to the island and we're
proud to call him one of our own." |
