Daniel and Majella find Anfield in Gort on B&B Road Trip
A Gort guest house, with its own version of Liverpool’s famed Anfield in its front garden, is about to enjoy its moment of fame when it features in a new television series – hosting Daniel O’Donnell and his wife Majella.
Naomh Colman – owned and run by Josephine Finnegan and her husband Pat for over 20 years – will feature in the second episode of ‘Daniel and Majella’s B&B Road Trip', which continues on UTV Ireland next Monday at 8pm.
The B&B is famous for its view of Ireland’s tallest round tower and Kilmacduagh monastery. Inside, the décor is inspired by Lady Gregory and WB Yeats with lots of bright colours.
Pat and his two sons are such avid Liverpool supporters that they turned what had once been Josephine’s vegetable patch into their very own Anfield soccer pitch, which has resulted in regular visits to the B&B from locals for a kick-about.
Before heading to the south of the county, Daniel and Majella pay a visit to Shop Street in Galway city, where the musical couple indulge in an impromptu sing song.
And then, to top off their trip out west, Daniel and Majella enjoy an afternoon picking wild flowers in the Burren before returning to the B&B for a game of football with local children.
The six-part travel series with a difference will show Daniel and Majella as we have never seen them before, as the famous couple embark on a journey across Ireland, staying in B&Bs and delving into activities organised by the B&B owners.
“Since we announced Daniel and Majella’s B&B Road Trip, we have been inundated with requests and queries from the couple’s fans all over the world,” said Mary Curtis, Head of Channel at UTV Ireland.
“They have a huge following and having worked with both of them, it is easy to understand why. Aside from Daniel’s successful singing career, they are a fantastic couple. This series will show a side to them that many of us haven’t had the privilege of seeing.
“Filming the series in a short timeframe meant long hours and travelling great distances, but Daniel and Majella rolled up their sleeves and enjoyed every minute of it. The production company behind the series, VIP Productions, have done a brilliant job in putting it together and I think Daniel and Majella’s fan base will grow even bigger following this series,” she said.
Throughout the series, viewers will see Daniel and Majella take part in a range of unexpected activities, including tractor racing in Enniskerry, paddle-boarding in Bantry Bay, rocking out at a house party in Newtownabby, and of course playing football in Gort’s very own Anfield.
“We really enjoyed it, it was lovely. I felt that we really did reach the heart of Ireland. When you’re in cities all the time, the old Irish ways can get lost, but I feel that we really did reach the heart of Ireland, so in that respect, it was really good,” said Majella.
“You could see that some were over-awed with Daniel and some weren’t, but all were equally welcoming,” she admitted.
“The fact that we got to interact with so many different people was, for me, the best part. It was lovely to see Ireland and travel Ireland.
“I have travelled Ireland umpteen times, but not with that eye that’s enjoying it when you’re just trying to get somewhere. Ireland has so much to offer – whether you’re by the coast or inland,” added Daniel.