The Mother's Story

'I was six when my father died so my mother has been everything to me. Wherever I go I tell the world about my wonderful mother. I'm a singer today because of my mother's encouragement. She has been the biggest influence in my life' - Daniel O'Donnell. Irish singing star Daniel O'Donnell's mother, Julia, grew up on a remote island off the Northwest coast of Ireland. Growing up during a poverty-stricken era in the 1920s, her childhood was one of hard labour in tough conditions. In her early teens she was sent potato picking in Scotland. She was paid a pittance and forced to sleep in cowsheds. Then as a young adult, she gutted fish in Scottish ports, working outdoors in freezing winters and scorching summers. After she married, Julia's husband, Francie, spent most of each year working on farms in Scotland, leaving his heartbroken family behind. Hard labour eventually took its toll and Francie died, leaving Julia widowed and penniless with five children. She was still in her forties. In an inspiring story of triumph over adversity, Julia tells how she battled through this dark period by knitting sweaters into the early hours to support her family.Then, in an amazing twist of fate, this hard-working woman and dedicated mother watched from the wings as her offspring flourished in life. Her daughter Margo and son, Daniel, went on to achieve fame as chart-topping singers. Poignant, warm and laced with great humour, Julia's story gives us a fascinating insight into this remarkable Irish family's life, and one mother's journey.