Daniel O'Donnell has shared his shock as his manager and friend Kieran Cavanagh's 'out of the blue' cancer diagnosis.
Kieran, who started out as Daniel's Irish promoter in the 80's, revealed his diagnosis and will be starting treatment within the next week.
When the singer's first manager Sean Reilly retired in 2015, Kieran took over the role as Daniel's manager.
READ MORE: Daniel O'Donnell opens up about his connection to Sinead O'Connor: 'We were an unlikely pair'
Daniel said: “Kieran’s diagnosis came out of the blue, so naturally it has been a great shock for all of us, particularly his family.
“However, as his treatment is about to begin we all remain positive that he will benefit from it. And I know that Kieran would appreciate your prayers at this very difficult time.”
Following Daniel's own struggles with his mental health during his career, it was Kieran alongside manager Sean Reilly that convinced the star to return to his home country to make his comeback in Dublin’s Point Depot ( now known as 3Arena ) in July 1992.
At that time, no Irish country singer had performed in such a large venue, with Daniel himself still performing at dances, and in hotels and theatres.
The concert was a hit however, with the sold out concert propelling Daniel to a unprecedented level of fame.
The Donegal native looks back on the decision, sharing with The Sunday World that he put his career in the promoters hands: “I put myself in the hands of Kieran and Sean and it was a great success. It marked the beginning of a new era for me."
The country singer began to experience the more rock n' roll side of fame as his star rose to unforeseen levels, sharing: “One of my memories of that night is having a bra thrown at me, which Kieran thought was very funny. It was the first time that happened to me. The lady in question had put her name and address on the inside with a message asking me to send her a card, which I duly obliged.”
Daniel wasn't Kieran's only success story however, with the showbiz promoter bringing one of America's biggest stars to Ireland at the beginning of his promoter career.
Kieran was in his late 20s when he first brought his idol Johnny Cash to Ireland in the 1980s.
Sharing the story, Kieran said “Johnny Cash was the first big country act I ever promoted. He hadn’t been to Ireland for a decade at the time, so I went to America on a mission to bring him back.”
Other famous faces which the promoter brought across the pond include the likes of Chuck Berry. Willie Nelson, and Buck Owens just to name a few.
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