Daniel and Majella O’Donnell are preparing to bring out the Child of Prague for good weather for the return of Daniel’s famous tea party after 26 years.
The much-loved Donegal couple will welcome visitors to their home in Meenbanad next Tuesday, 28 July, from 1pm to 4pm, for a special ‘Boil the Kettle’ fundraiser in aid of Relay for Life Donegal and the Irish Cancer Society.
All hopes are now pinned on a fine day for the outdoor gathering.
Daniel said this tea party will be “a wee bit different” from the famous open days he started in the 80s, because of the important cause behind it.
“I would say there’s no family that hasn’t unfortunately been touched by cancer,” he said.
Daniel and Majella are patrons of Relay for Life Donegal, a fundraiser that became deeply personal for the couple after Majella’s own breast cancer diagnosis.
Daniel first became involved with Relay for Life Donegal in 2012, when he helped write the song We’ll See This Journey Through for the event alongside Mark Roberts.
But just one year later, the song took on a whole new meaning.
“The song that was written in 2012 for other people was our song, or our story, in 2013,” Daniel said.
Daniel and Majella are powerful promoters of Relay for Life, which brings together survivors, carers, families and communities while raising funds for cancer services and research. In 2023 Majella was named a Global Hero of Hope by the American Cancer Society in recognition of her charity service.
Since the Donegal edition began in 2012, a staggering €2,048,106 has been raised for the Irish Cancer Society, with the 2025 Relay alone contributing an incredible €222,831.
By the end of the 2026 relay in May, a wonderful €163,241 was counted, but this is far from the final total, with other donations to be tallied and Daniel and Majella’s tea party expected to bring another boost to the funds.
Pictured ahead of Daniel and Majella O’Donnell’s tea party fundraiser are Relay for Life Donegal committee members Ena Barrett and Dave Cowan, Daniel and Majella O’Donnell, and Chairperson Seamus Devine.
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While thousands are expected to attend next Tuesday’s tea party, Daniel clarified that the event will be an outdoor celebration rather than a full house visit.
“We’re hoping it’s like a garden party, or a tea day,” Daniel told RTE Radio 1.
Visitors are invited to come along, enjoy a cup of tea, make a donation, meet Daniel, take a photograph and be part of an afternoon built around kindness, friendship and community.
And while the day is centred around tea, there may even be a song or two.
“It’s hard not to sing, but mainly it’s the whole thing of meeting people and, you know, having a bit of craic and chatting,” Daniel said.
There will also be plenty of home comforts on offer, with Daniel adding: “I’m sure there’ll be baking for two days before and the Child of Prague will be out for a good day.”
A spokesperson for Relay for Life Donegal shared their delight with the O’Donnells’ generous gesture: “As patrons of Relay for Life Donegal, Daniel and Majella have never stopped supporting the movement, and once again they are opening not just their home, but their hearts, to everyone who wishes to attend.
“Every cup of tea shared and every donation made will help Relay for Life Donegal continue supporting the incredible work of the Irish Cancer Society, ensuring that no one has to face cancer alone.
“Whether you’re coming to meet Daniel, reconnect with friends, support someone affected by cancer or simply experience the unique atmosphere, this is an afternoon not to be missed.
“Some events raise money. Some events create memories. This one will do both. Everyone is welcome.”
There are no tickets for the event.
People are asked to come along, bring family and friends, share a cup of tea and make a donation in support of Relay for Life Donegal and the Irish Cancer Society.
Daniel and Majella O’Donnell’s Boil the Kettle tea party takes place at their home in Meenbanad F94 XOX6 on Tuesday, 28 July, from 1pm to 4pm.
Daniel and Majella’s tea party returns after 26 years
See more: Relay for Life Donegal raises €163,000 – and counting!