Thank you, Mr President, may well have been the words used by Margo O’Donnell to express her gratitude after her recent visit to Áras an Uachtaráin in Dublin. The Donegal singer was among a group of around 300 guests who were specially invited to a garden party hosted by President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina.

“It was a lovely occasion and there were people from various professions and backgrounds there on the day, all enjoying the special party,” says Margo.

“I told Michael D how I remembered him so well from my own time living in Galway. He asked me to sing two songs and I was delighted to do so.

“Paint Me A Picture of Ireland and The Ballad of James Connolly were my choice for the President and his wife. They were very appreciative and thanked me at the end of my performance.”

Margo is looking forward to a series of concert shows over the next few months and these will see her perform in Killarney, Cork, Armagh, Galway, Enniscorthy, Westport, Tullamore and Bundoran.

The passing of her mother Julia in recent weeks has left a major void in her life.

“She was always there for us all through the years. She told it as it was, with no airs nor graces. The last show she attended was my own concert in Derry on 21 March of this year. Though the years were against her, you never think of it that way. I was so proud to have her there in Derry that night.”

Margo’s book about her own life story is due out on 22 September.

“I’m going to call it The Promise and The Dream. I read every page of it to my mother and she gave the book her blessing. I am so glad I got the chance to do that. I have also included another piece that I wrote about her since her death. People have been so supportive all along.

“Though life has had its hills and valleys, I have been blessed with many great times along the journey.” CL