Red hair and a fiery Irish temper. Brown eyes and freckles. Rock’em Sock’em defenseman. And according to Brock Zeman, in his tribute song - Danny's Song (The Fiddler's Gone Home), Danny could saw that fiddle right in two.
It has been 14 years since Danny O'Connell was lost to the heavens. On February 9, 2004, at the tender age of 24, Danny O’Connell TOOK his wings and flew to heaven; his way of ending his suffering of the human form and embracing his spiritual self.
I am taking this moment to remember my brother for all that he was here on earth - the good and the not so good. Danny you are missed by everyone you ever met or who ever met you. Your legacy lives on through all the young fiddlers (some who will never meet you) via the Danny O’Connell Memorial Award.
#BellLetsTalk should be EVERYDAY.
Listen out there... personally & professional, we have so much work to accomplish to improve the lives of those suffering with mental afflictions. Stigma has come down but it is not gone. If you are suffering know that that the stigma and judgement you may see in others is truly a reflection of your inner self. You have absolutely NOTHING to be ashamed of. Although help can be challenging to find within our medical system - reach out to family, friends and professional contacts. We are here - we just may not know exactly what to do until you ask. So ask!! We will respond.
In loving memory, I am on a mission to continue raising funds for research and care along with awareness for an improved mental health experience for EVERYONE.
In loving memory, since 2005, my family has been celebrating Danny's musical Celtic and Ottawa Valley heritage through an afternoon concert - originally called Open Up the Summer Kitchen Ceili and now known as Fiddler's Friends. I will be sharing more about this event in the coming blogs. Save the date: Sunday, May 6, 2018 at the Old Town Hall in Almonte, Ontario.
In loving memory of the red head who could saw a fiddle in two.
Your Big Sister, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell
“We've all gotta keep on dancing even though the fiddlers packed up and gone home.” – Brock Zeman
I’d love to learn how you commemorate your family and friends who have become angels. Send your comments through our contact page.
Picture: Danny O'Connell, age 10. Sunday, August 13, 1989 (local newspaper clipping)