Christmas wishes were granted early at McElhinneys when merry fans got to meet Daniel O'Donnell.

Singing star Daniel O’Donnell held a special meet and greet in the McElhinneys Womenswear department today to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. The queue stretched through the whole floor ahead of his arrival, as lifelong fans waited excitedly to see him.

Some fans had Christmas cards for Daniel to sign for their loved ones, some had memorabilia from years gone by and others were simply eager to meet him for the first time. Superfans Siobhan Doyle and Chloe McHugh from Ballybofey had custom Daniel jackets to show him, and he was very impressed! 

Siobhan Doyle and Chloe McHugh with Daniel O’Donnell

Siobhan Doyle and Chloe McHugh – showing their custom jackets to Daniel!

People travelled from as far as Dublin and Belfast to be at McElhinneys for this occasion. Daniel was delighted to meet every person, young and old, and took a few moments to chat with everyone. He got many Christmas hugs, kisses and gifts from fans – and McElhinneys staff too!

Daniel O’Donnell with the McElhinneys Womenswear staff team

The afternoon had plenty of smiles and selfies, even a little bit of singing! Some of the children sat up on Daniel’s knee as if he was Santa, while his great gift to everyone was Christmas cheer.

A young family from Letterkenny – Declan Bourke, Karen McLaughlin and baby Evan – got their photo with Daniel as a gift to show to Karen’s 93-year-old granny Eileen McLaughlin, who is a big fan! 

Declan Bourke, Karen McLaughlin and baby Evan Bourke with Daniel O’Donnell

Daniel with 5-month-old baby Evan Bourke

Daniel was styled by McElhinneys menswear experts for the day – decked out in Magee1866 and Meyer. He and Majella are McElhinneys style ambassadors and you often see them championing the latest looks from the store.

Daniel’s visit brought extra festive feeling in McElhinneys, which has been buzzing since the Christmas windows were unveiled in November to start the season of magic.

Check out a selection of the meet and greet photos below:

Sienna and Helena Crawford

Sienna and Helena Crawford

Noeleen McGowan, Cosmetics Manager at McElhinneys with Daniel O’Donnell

Megan McHugh and Fiona Quigley

Sarah and James Bradley with Anne Kelly

Ava (aged 1) and Natalie Malone with Eleanor Holland

Ivy Bates, Frances Kearney, Mary Slevin, Gladys Smith with Daniel O’Donnell

Charlotte and Anna Carroll from Belfast

Margaret Wilkie and Hugh McGinley waiting to get their Daniel merchandise signed

Margaret Wilkie with Daniel O’Donnell

Daniel O’Donnell with Paul Logue

Ann Gallagher and Margaret McCarron

Michelle and Margaret Gallagher

Caroline Lockhart

Sonia, Robert, Audrey, Eoin and Chloe Hayden

Caz Deere, Margaret Roland and Joanne Morrow

McElhinneys Shopping Night competition winner Catriona Harold, who was presented with a €1,000 voucher today from John and Martin McElhinney