His music may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But judging by the sell-out concerts, not to mention record sales totalling north of ten million, the appetite for Daniel O’Donnell is insatiable.

It’s hard to define the Irishman’s appeal. Granted, his performances are polished and entertaining. Yet it takes more than country ballads and a few funny stories to instil the O’Donnell brand of loyalty. Just back from a tour of the States, Country’s favourite crooner is supposed to be taking a well-earned rest but as everyone knows, O’Donnell always has time for a chat. I began by asking him the reason for his phenomenal success.

“Oh well, I don’t know really,” he says in a lilting Donegal accent. “But you know, I have a great relationship with my fans. I’ve always been very accessible. After a concert I like to wait and meet the people, just to say hello. Even if I’m out and about, fans might come up and ask for a picture and it's OK with me.”

Posing for selfies and shaking hands with the audience is one thing but O’Donnell has taken the personal touch to a whole new level. At one point he even invited fans to his home. While some find the perpetual glare of the spotlight intrusive, he takes it in his stride.

“You don’t think about it, I suppose,” he says as though he’s truly never given it a thought. “But no, to be honest, it really doesn’t bother me. You get used to it. I mean you can’t be on television and be doing what I do without the attention. It would be worse if nobody bothered! You can’t have it both ways.”

Is this good advice for other young hopefuls? “My advice is simple. I’d say, just be yourself. I’ve seen so many [artists] coming up over the years and people will say, he’s the next Daniel O’Donnell or whoever. But you have to be yourself and remember, there’s always room for one of you but never two of me.”

Affable and a little self-deprecating, O’Donnell comes across as likeable man, not afraid to show emotion. In fact there’s a distinct wobble in his voice when he talks about his family and his wife Majella.

His path to wedded bliss was a bit of a rocky road. As a devout Catholic, Majella’s previous marriage to Scotsman Raymond McLelland caused the star a few anxious moments.

“Aye, I did struggle for a bit” he admits, laughing. “Then I missed her and just realised I was happier with Majella than without. We got along so well together and felt very easy in each other’s company. I suppose it was just meant to be.”

Majella’s marital status also posed a problem for the Church but a special annulment from the Vatican saved the day and in November 2002, Ireland’s most eligible bachelor finally tied the knot.

“You know a great part of the joy that marriage has brought to my life are the children. Siobhan and Michael came along with Majella and it’s been really wonderful. Raymond is their father and I’ve always known that but I’ve been a big part of their life for a long time. I was so touched and delighted when Raymond came to me on the morning of Siobhan’s wedding and asked if I’d meet them half way down the aisle and we’d both walk her the rest of the way together. It was very good of Raymond to include me. Nobody knew it was happening and both Majella and Siobhan were so happy.”

I wondered whether his Catholic faith still plays as key a role in his life. “Oh aye. You see, growing up, in my time, you went to mass because you had to. You’d no choice, you couldn’t miss it. It wasn’t until I was travelling that I suddenly realised I was going because I wanted to. I found myself looking round for old chapels and places to worship. Of course, I’d love for everyone to have the comfort that my faith gives me. But you know, I’m not somebody that looks down on people who don’t have a religion. You can’t judge people for their different beliefs or even the lack of them.”

It is this faith that has helped Daniel cope with heartache, especially the loss of his mother and, in 2013, his wife’s cancer diagnosis. How are things now?

“Oh thank God, everyone is well and Majella’s doing great. Did you know she’ll be cancer-free five years in August? Her physical health is good and so is her mental health,” he says, referring to his wife’s battle with depression. “All’s good and we’re very blessed.”

Considering the importance of religion, the highlight of 2018 was the opportunity to sing for Pope Francis during his visit to Ireland. "It was an incredible experience,” he recalls. “I sang, Let Your Love Flow and you know, to be on stage and looking down to see the Pope sitting in front of you is just amazing. I’ll never forget it.”

O’Donnell came to prominence in 1983 with his first single, Johnny McCauley’s My Donegal Shore. Since then, his country/western style music and trademark patter have made him a household name, not to mention earned him a place on Ireland’s rich list. It’s obvious that underneath the charm, beats the heart of shrewd businessman.

“Yes, I’m cuter than people think,” he jokes.

If his singing career hadn’t taken off, what was plan B? “Oh, now, I suppose a teacher maybe. I’ve always liked maths so I’m sure I’d have ended in something to do with business or teaching.”

Aside from the music and banter, fans say it’s his kindness that makes him stand out from the rest. Among the many anecdotes, is the story of how he once hosted a concert in an Edinburgh church hall to raise awareness of a local lad’s rare medical condition. Now, with a series of concerts on the horizon, he’s looking forward to coming back.

“I always get a great welcome in Scotland,” he says fondly. “I love it there. I’ve been performing in Scotland, Dundee and all round since 1987. You know they’re just a wonderful, warm audience.”

Considering that back in the nineties, exhaustion put him out of action for over three months, does he still find travelling difficult? “Aye well, yes,” he admits. “ Sure all travelling is tiring. I have to say I enjoy it though. This tour worked out very well for me. We’ve a big sleeper bus so after the show, you get into bed and wake up in a new town, ready for the next show.”

What does he do to relax? "I like golf”

But does he play? “No,” he laughs. “Well, not as much as I’d like. I tell myself I will and I mean to do it, then I don’t. But it’s on my bucket list.”

It doesn’t sound as though golf is his first love, especially when he tells me what he likes, what he really, really likes.

“Bridge! Oh God, I love it” he enthuses. “Honestly, ever since I got into it, I’d rather play cards than anything else. When I’m home, I’ll go to a local club and if anyone is missing a partner, they’ll cut me in. They’re awful good like that.”

As conversations winds down and I ask about the weekend ahead, the excitement in his voice is almost tangible. “We’re babysitting tonight. Siobhan and Patrick are going off to a friend’s wedding in Greece so we’re having the children. I don’t know how that’s gonna go. You know, the wee girl is coming three, wee Oliva, and she’d just break your heart. The wee boy, Archie, he’s four months and a lovely baby. You know, it’s a joy to have them here, I just love them. Siobhan has given us the grandchildren and they’re part of the happiness that being married has brought me. I just thank God for them all, for everything.”

I recognise the emotion in his voice –it’s a feeling common among all grandparents – pride.

Daniel O’Donnell is performing at Caird Hall Dundee, on Saturday, October 13, and Glasgow Royal Concert on Sunday October 14.

http://danielodonnell.org/tour-dates/