Latest news with #Majella
The Irish Sun
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘You'd hope people wouldn't believe it', says Daniel O'Donnell on ‘ridiculous' online ‘fake stories' about wife & family
IRISH music icon Daniel O'Donnell has blasted "fake stories" circulating online about him and his family, saying: "It is so ridiculous you'd hope people wouldn't believe it." Wee Daniel and wife Majella have been married for over 22 years, tying the knot back in November 4, 2002 at St Mary's Church in Kincasslagh, Donegal. Advertisement 2 Daniel has opened up on the effect fake stories have on him and his family Credit: Free for editorial use 2 Daniel gave one example of a recent story he saw about his wife Credit: Getty Images - Getty But as someone in the public eye, Daniel is all too aware of the drawbacks of fame. And combined with the nefarious elements of social media, the singer has been the target of fake stories about his family. He told the Despite the jarring nature of seeing false stories circulate, Daniel and his family try not to let them affect their personal lives. Advertisement read more daniel o'donnell He continued: "Majella laughed when she saw it because it is hilarious. As bizarre stories go, this one is top of the tree. In another story I was at death's door in a hospital bed. "I have seen other fake stories about our family, including some about Michael (Majella's son) saying that he couldn't have had a better stepfather and all I did for him, but, unfortunately he couldn't live under the same roof, which is ridiculous." The Danny Boy singer noted he isn't the only one affected by online trolls either, as he called out for better protections of the elderly. He explained: "If you try to find out the source of these stories I just think you are on a road to nowhere. There doesn't seem to be any legislation about Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Exclusive "People think it's me they are talking to on Facebook and it's very plausible. A lot of the time (the scam) is that I am going to meet them and they are going to come away with me. They send on thousands." He added: "I know of one particular woman in America who got caught up in this. A lot of people are vulnerable and there are people who believe that. Sometimes people hang on to the strangest thread, no matter how weak it is. Daniel O'Donnell forced to address rumours "They are the people who fall prey to the scammers and they are sending the money, which they think is to me because this is the way it is going to work. Eventually they realise this is not the real person at all, it's not a real account and they can't find the person. "Their money is gone and there doesn't seem to be anything they can do about it, which is ridiculous. Surely to God, when they can send people to space, they should be able to find out who owns a Facebook page." Advertisement Despite not sharing much of his personal life online, sometimes Daniel takes to his Facebook to And in April, the Donegal crooner welcomed his first grandchild into the world. Daniel is stepdad to Majella's kids, Michael and Siobhan, and they've been in his life since they were nine and 11 respectively. Michael and his wife Sarah, who Advertisement Sarah is from Australia and the happy family live in In a photo Daniel shared to his Facebook, Michael and Sarah smiled from ear-to-ear as they huddled in close with their bundle of joy in their arms and their dog by their feet.
Sunday World
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Daniel O'Donnell addresses ‘strange' story that wife Majella is pregnant at 65
Country music legend Daniel O'Donnell calls for action as he highlights the latest social media fraud involving his wife DANIEL O'Donnell says he has spotted many fake and sensational stories about himself and his family on social media – but the most bizarre is a new one claiming his wife Majella is pregnant at the age of 65. In an exclusive interview, the country music superstar also hit out at Facebook and other social media platforms that are failing to crack down on criminals targeting his fans. Daniel, who has highlighted this issue in the past, was speaking out after TV presenter Elaine Crowley this week exposed a social media scam claiming she had lost weight by giving up three foods – and posting a fake photo of Virgin Media's popular Ireland AM host in a bid to lure potential victims. In his own case, Daniel tells how one 'vulnerable' woman in America was conned out of thousands of dollars after believing that the person she was in contact with was him and was convinced they were going to have a relationship. Daniel says: 'People think it's me that they are talking to on Facebook and it's very plausible. A lot of the time (the scam) is that I am going to meet them and they are going to come away with me. They send on thousands. I know of one particular person in America that got caught up in this. 'A lot of people are vulnerable and there are people who believe that. Sometimes people hang on to the strangest thread, no matter how weak it is. 'They are the people who fall prey to the scammers and they are sending the money, which they think is to me because this is the way it's all going to work. 'Eventually, they realise that this is not a real person at all, it's not a real account and they can't find the person. Their money is gone and there doesn't seem to be anything they can do about it, which is ridiculous. 'Surely to God, when they can send people to space, they should be able to find out who owns a Facebook page.' Singer Daniel O'Donnell and his wife Majella Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 20th As well as the scams, Daniel pointed out that he, along with many other celebrities, has been at the centre of numerous false and outlandish stories on Facebook and elsewhere on the internet. 'At the minute there are all kinds of stories going up about all sorts of strange things,' he says. 'Last week Majella was pregnant at 65. It's so ridiculous you'd hope people wouldn't believe it. 'Majella laughed when she saw it because it is hilarious. As bizarre stories go, that one is top of the tree. 'In another story I was at death's door and pictured in a hospital bed. Englebert Humperdinck had a similar story and had to make a public statement that he was perfectly healthy. Cliff (Richard) has had similar stories. 'I've seen other fake stories about our family, including one about Michael (Majella's son) saying that he couldn't have had a better stepfather and all I did for him, but, unfortunately, he couldn't live under the same roof, which is ridiculous. 'If you try to find out the source of these stories I just think you are on a road to nowhere. There doesn't seem to be any legislation about Facebook at all.'
Irish Examiner
04-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Property Advice: How will the new rental rules impact my property?
Hi Majella, I let out a property in Cork City three years ago for €1,000 a month, which I thought was fair at the time. I didn't realise I'd be locked into that rent long-term, especially now that similar homes are renting for €1,900. Am I really limited to 2% rent increases per year? Will the rules change in 2026? I've heard mixed things. With rising costs and more regulations, I'm starting to wonder if I should sell. The market seems strong, and demand is high. Would I be better off selling now while prices are up, or holding onto the property long term? Also, what happens with my tenants if I do sell? How does a sitting tenant affect the sale price, and what's involved in giving notice if I want to sell it with vacant possession? Your advice would be appreciated. Sean, East Cork Dear Sean, These are questions we're hearing more and more, especially from landlords who entered the market in good faith but now find themselves navigating tighter margins, new complex rules, and increased uncertainty. The rental landscape in Ireland has changed rapidly over the past few years. With restrictions on rent increases, new legislation announced and a strong sales market, many small-scale landlords like yourself are asking, should I stay, or should I sell? Let's have a closer look at your situation and your options. Because your property is in a Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) — Cork City was already covered by RPZ rules before RPZs were extended nationwide on June 20 — you are currently limited to increasing the rent by a maximum of 2% per year, provided: • The current rent is at or below market level. • You follow the correct procedures when serving notice of the rent review. So even though similar properties are now renting for €1,900, your rent of €1,000 can only rise incrementally. In your case, for example, a 2% increase would mean the rent would increase incrementally from €1,000 to €1,020 per month in the first year and then €1,040.40 and so on. Clearly it will take many years to reach the actual market rate – if ever - and that's understandably frustrating. The new rental changes Firstly, it's very important to note that the proposed changes will not apply to existing tenancies. They will only apply to tenancies created from March 2026. Here are the proposed changes due to take effect from March 2026, which aim to offer some long-term flexibility: • Once every six years, landlords will be permitted to reset the rent to full market value — even if the same tenant remains in place. • If the tenancy ends and a new tenant moves in, the rent can once again be set at market value. This is designed to give landlords some relief from the current strict caps, but it's not an immediate solution. Unless your tenant leaves or you end the tenancy for a legally valid reason, you remain bound by the current cap. Valid reasons for resetting rent The only real way to reset rent to market level sooner is if the tenancy ends. That can happen: • If the tenant voluntarily moves out • Or, you legitimately end the tenancy for a permitted reason, such as: You or a family member intends to move in; You intend to substantially refurbish the property; You intend to sell the property. Each scenario has strict evidence requirements, and the law has recently tightened around 'no-fault evictions', making it much harder to end tenancies without very clear justification. Is it a good time to sell? From a market point of view, yes — it could be an excellent time. House prices in Cork City and right across Munster have increased significantly over the past 12 to 18 months, driven by strong demand, low stock levels, and returning urban-to-rural buyers. Family homes in good condition, especially three-bed semis or detached properties, are particularly sought after. Selling now may allow you to unlock the full current market value of your property while ensuring that you avoid the stress and financial uncertainty brought about via the recent changes to the rental market. After paying off any debts you could then choose to re-invest in the property market after the changes come into force in March 2026 or invest your money elsewhere. Selling with tenants in place vs vacant possession You can legally sell the property with a sitting tenant. However, there are trade-offs. Buyers seeking a home to live in usually want vacant possession. A tenanted property, particularly one generating below-market rent, may go for a sales price of 30% less. You'll be selling into a limited market as you'll be targeting landlords or investors only, not owner-occupiers. Any new owner will inherit the tenancy and will have to consider the ongoing restrictions including rent caps and the rights of the current tenant. If you want to sell and get the best possible price, vacant possession is often the preferred route, but you must strictly follow legal procedures. This means you'll have to provide the correct notice period to your tenant, citing the intention to sell as the grounds. Notice periods depend on how long your tenant has been there. For tenancies over two years, it's 180 days (six months). You must serve the notice correctly and submit a copy to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Failing to follow these steps correctly can result in delays, disputes, or even fines. Check the RTB website for more information. Should I keep the property as a long-term investment? There are some advantages to holding the property. Property tends to appreciate over time, if you're thinking long-term, but just remember capital gains could be considerable. While the rental income is modest for now, it may offer a retirement supplement or financial legacy. You can also claim tax relief on mortgage interest, repairs, and property management costs. However, you need to ask yourself if you can afford to keep renting it at €1,000–€1,040/month, given rising maintenance and compliance costs? You don't mention if you have a mortgage on the property but the ability of the rent to cover that as well as insurance and tax will be key. Another consideration will be whether you intend to manage the property yourself – which means dealing with tenants, paperwork and inspections – or hire a letting agent and the costs that will involve. Key questions To help clarify your next move, I think you need to carry out a cost-benefit analysis on your property investment in the context of your overall financial position. Some of the questions you need to address include: • Am I financially better off selling now or keeping the property? • Would I prefer a lump sum now, or regular monthly income — even if comparatively modest? • Do I have the appetite to stay compliant with evolving rental rules? • What are the tax implications of selling now versus in a few years? Speaking to a financial advisor or tax consultant can help ensure you make an informed decision but there's no 'one-size-fits-all' answer. It really depends on your personal finances, future plans, and appetite for risk and responsibility. If you're leaning toward keeping the property but want to reduce hassle, a professional property manager can handle compliance, rent reviews, and tenant relations — and their fees are tax deductible. Majella Galvin: 'The most important thing? Make a decision that suits your life, not just the market.' If, however, the emotional and financial strain of being a landlord is outweighing the rewards, then selling now while the market is strong could make sense. At the very least, book a market appraisal with a licenced estate agent, check your obligations with the RTB, and review your numbers with an accountant. The most important thing? Make a decision that suits your life, not just the market. Majella Galvin is Chair of the Membership and Public Affairs Committee of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland. A chartered surveyor, estate agent and registered valuer at DNG Galvin Auctioneers Bandon, she has been working in the property sector for over a decade - If you have a property-related query or issue you would like to raise with Majella, please email irishexaminerpropertyqueries@
The Irish Sun
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘I've slowed down' says Daniel O'Donnell as he speaks about retirement ahead of ‘career break'
DANIEL O'Donnell has said he "slowed down" and spoke about retirement ahead of his 'career break'. Earlier this year in May, the 63-year-old announced that he was to take a 2 Daniel O'Donnell is taking a break from touring after this year 2 Daniel and Majella are gearing up to see their grandson this month Credit: Getty Images - Getty The spokesperson said The spokesperson added: "This pause is essential for him to recharge and recover." He emphasised that "this is not a retirement but rather a temporary break". Daniel has reiterated the fact that he doesn't have any plans as of yet to fully give up his beloved gigs. read more on daniel o'donnell He told RSVP: "I don't know if I'll ever retire. I've slowed down a good bit. I don't do as many shows. "I like time off as much as I like going out and doing a concert. The balance is important." When asked if he thinks there'll ever be a time he won't sing, Daniel said: "Who knows. We don't know what the future holds. "If the time comes that I feel that I'm not able to do it as well, I'd like to think that I wouldn't sing if I'm not able to or if the audience is not there. There might not be the audience that there is now. We'll wait and see." read more on the irish sun The Donegal crooner is a stepdad to his wife Majella's kids, Michael and Siobhan and they've been in his life since they were nine and eleven. Michael and his wife Sarah, who Daniel O'Donnell forced to address rumours Sarah is from Australian and the happy family live in Melbourne together - which means Daniel and Majella have However, the pair are going to see their adorable grandson very soon as Michael, Sarah and Jack fly back to Ireland this month. FAMILY LOVE Daniel said: "We're looking forward to having everyone together then for a new family photo. They will come again in December. "Majella is going out in September and her daughter Siobhan is going in May. The world is small now." Daniel has three other grandchildren, Archie, Olivia, and Luke and he often gushes over his happy family. The 63-year-old said: "It's beyond what you could hope for, especially in my case, because Siobhan and Michael aren't biological to me, I'm their stepfather, but I've had them in my life since they were 11 and nine. "And I'm blessed — there's never been any issues or disagreements, never a bit of bother even in their teens. "I recently spent a week in Banbridge with Siobhan and Gavin and the three children. And even if Majella wasn't there, I'd still stay with Siobhan. I've a great connection with them."
BreakingNews.ie
20-06-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
101-year-old school with two pupils to close on Friday
A 101-year-old school that only had two students this year is to close on Friday. St. Oliver's national school in Stonetown, Dundalk, Co Louth is set to close its doors after the one sixth class student graduates. Advertisement Barry Og O'Brien (11) will start post-primary school in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan in September while his younger sister Sheila (7) will enrol in second class in the nearby school in Louth Village. Father of the two students, Barry, said he is saddened to see a school with such history in the parish close. Originally from Lisdoo, Barry and his wife Majella moved to the parish 21 years ago and four of his seven children were educated at Stonetown. "When we moved three of our children were already settled in school in Dundalk so we left them there but our youngest four all completed their education at Stonetown and were very happy there," he said. Advertisement "Hundreds of past pupils attended the 100th year anniversary celebrations last year and shared so many wonderful and cherished memories of their time here. Over the years, the numbers just dropped off until my two children were the last pupils in the school last September. "We did approach all the politicians for help and Peter Fitzpatrick did try and help by organising a meeting with the then education Minister Norma Foley. "We thought maybe we could get students bussed out from areas in Dundalk but unfortunately, the general elections were called and that was that. Peter retired from politics and the education ministry changed. "None of my children ever missed a day at Stonetown School and they left every morning and came home every afternoon with smiles on their faces. They were very happy there. Advertisement "Barry Og and Sheila will miss the school but they are happy to go to a new school with more students and new friends. I know the school couldn't carry on without students but I know it was a hard decision to be made to close it and it is a very sad day for the area. Ireland Electric Picnic to cost €25m to €30m to stage Read More In a statement the Department of Education and Youth said: "The decision-making authority for a school closure is the patron of that school. "Any proposal to close a school must involve consultation with all of the relevant stakeholders, parents, teachers, students and local communities and follow decisions taken at local level. "A proposed closure is then subject to the agreement of the Department of Education and Youth. "The Patron of Stonetown National School, Dundalk, Co Louth (roll number 16431Q) requested the closure of the school at the end of the current school year and the Department has agreed to this request. Where a decision is made to close a school, all relevant teachers are redeployed in time for the new school year.
