Father of Majella O’Donnell dies in Tenerife

Majella O'Donnell was in mourning tonight following the death of her father Tom Roche.

Majella, who is married to singer Daniel O’Donnell, was at her father’s bedside in hospital in Tenerife.

It is understood Mr Roche fell down stairs at his home on Sunday evening.

Tests on the Co Tipperary man showed he had suffered a brain haemorrhage.

He passed away surrounded by family at 6.30pm tonight.

A statement on Daniel O’Donnell’s website said: “It is with sadness that we announce the death of Thomas Roche Daniel’s father in law. Husband of Marion, father to Michael, Josephine, Majella & Moira who passed away peacefully at 6.30pm this evening. May he rest in peace.”

Daniel had cancelled all of his upcoming gigs on his British tour after it was realised how serious Mr Roche’s condition was.

The singer first met his future wife in Tom and wife Marion’s bar in Tenerife in 1999.

A friend of businesswoman Majella O’Donnell said “Majella is just heartbroken. She is so close to her mum and dad.

“Tom was such a lovely man and this has just come out of the blue for Majella.

“She has been so brave of late and has really met her own health worries head-on. This has really set her back. But she is a strong woman and she will cope as best she can,” said the friend.

Majella O'Donnell has been undergoing treatment for breast cancer and recently raised about €500,000 through donations to the Irish Cancer Society when she had her head shaved on the Late Late Show.