94 year old Julia O'Donnell, passed away at Dungloe Community Hospital in Co Donegal, surrounded by her family.

The singer rushed home earlier this week from concert dates in Scotland when his mother became very ill.

Daniel posted a message on his Facebook page yesterday announcing his mother's death.

“It is with great sadness that we have to announce that our dear mother Julia passed away peacefully in the loving care of the staff of Dungloe Hospital, surrounded by her family, on Sunday at 3.50am.

“My siblings, John, Margaret, Kathleen, James and myself would like to thank you all for the kindness shown to her down through the years. May her gentle soul rest in peace,” he wrote.

Julia is due to be waked at her home with a funeral mass taking place at St Mary’s Church in Kincasslagh tomorrow afternoon.