Irish singer doesn't disappoint despite five-hour trip, long wait

We traveled five hours, 250 miles, to see and hear the pride of Ireland - Daniel O'Donnell.

At the Eagle Theatre in Reading's Sovereign Center we were just part of a mass of 6,000 fans eager for the Tuesday night concert.

Even though the troupe was just in from an engagement in Branson, Mo., and would be traveling to Albany, N.Y. that night for a next day concert, they didn't skimp on a show of over three hours.

"I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for folks like you," O'Donnell told the audience.

"Many of you have traveled great distances and paid big money for tickets, you deserve a full show."

Very humbly, he thanked his fans for supporting him and acknowledged public television for making him known in America.

O'Donnell sang Irish ballads, religious hymns and folk songs made famous by other artists. He sang one of his own compositions, inspired when he stood on the Hill of Apparitions in Medjugorje.

His singing partner, Mary Duff, appeared in one beautiful gown after another, pleasing the audience with her solo numbers and duets with O'Donnell.

Our seats were excellent and the show was entertaining, but the unexpected excitement came before and after the performance.

As we checked into the Wyndham Hotel in Reading, we stood at the counter with three other persons - O'Donnell's backup singers, Trina, Crawford and Leon. Next we met accordion player Ronnie, who would introduce me to Joe, the one who promised to arrange a photo session with O'Donnell after the show.

Some Mon Valley folks - Lorraine Maceno, of Elizabeth, and Carol Inks and Linda Nazelrod, of McKeesport - were positioned in the hotel lobby, waiting for the entertainers to come through en route to the theatre.

Longtime fans, they recognized each one: Tony, bass guitar; Ray, piano and keyboard; Billy, drummer; John, rhythm guitar; Kevin, steel guitar; Tony, bass guitar, and Steven, keyboard.

Loretta, the wardrobe person, thrilled us with her Irish brogue until it was time to go.

As the show ended, O'Donnell said he would come out for photo sessions with all who would wait.

Most of the 6,000 must have waited because the line seemed to have no end. Theatre personnel estimated it would take about three hours so they formed a protective barrier near O'Donnell.

True to his word, Joe summoned me for a picture - after about an hour wait.

O'Donnell graciously posed with a copy of The Valley Independent - which I just happened to have with me - and my traveling companion, Brenda Rusnak, of Monessen.

When Joe motioned for me to come and get my picture taken with O'Donnell, I declined because I had not done my time in line and, anyway, I got the picture I came for.

At that, Danny O'Donnell leaned over the security rope and kissed me.

I got my reward.