My little piece of heaven on earth. These views of beautiful Owey Island bring joy to my heart.

My island home...

...is derelict now, which saddens me.

My parents James and Margaret McGonagle, pictured in 1959.

Here I am, aged 17, (back row extreme right) with the tattie howkin’ girls in Scotland.

While sifting through a box of old photographs for my book, I found this rare portrait taken in my early 20s. Little did I know then where life was going to take me.

I was the happiest woman in the world when Francie O’Donnell came into my life. He was a fine, handsome man, and here we are pictured together in 1948, the year we were married.

A treasured Christmas greeting from Francie.

A treasured Christmas greeting from Francie.

With my baby daughter, Margaret, at my parents’ house on Owey.

Happy times with Francie and our children John Bosco and Margaret.

My youngest son, Daniel, aged 1.

Bathing my baby daughter Margaret. There were no mod cons in those days!

John Bosco grew up to be a strong and healthy child, despite being born prematurely.

A smartly dressed John Bosco on the day of his First Communion, with Kathleen and Margaret.

Daniel, aged 7, on the day of his First Communion in 1968.

A visit to Francie’s grave on the day of Daniel’s Confirmation in 1972.

Granny McGonagle (my mother) with Margaret and Daniel.

One of my favourite photographs of Margaret as a young woman.

Margaret became a household name in Ireland with The Keynotes.

She was only a wee child when she joined the band.

God blessed my Daniel with the gift of a lovely singing voice. Now he has fans all over the world.

Daniel singing with his friend Cliff Richard on stage at The Point, Dublin, in 2006.

Through Daniel’s career, I have met many celebrities. Here we are with Liz Dawn, better known as Coronation Street’s Vera Duckworth.

Margaret with American country legend, Dolly Parton. They recorded a song together called ‘God’s Colouring Book’ in 1997.

I never expected to meet Royalty, but here I am in the company of Prince Charles on the day Daniel (pictured with Majella) received an MBE. He even kissed my hand!

My son James (front) and myself, with the Sam Maguire cup, won by Donegal in the 1992 All Ireland Football Final.

I am so happy to have lived to enjoy moments like this with great-granddaughter, Sarah.

My very special cousin Willie McDevitt, pictured here next to my daughter-in-law Eileen.

My oldest grandchild Frankie, with his daughter Sarah.

My beloved grandson Joey, with great-grandchild Sarah.

Today I’m in my twilight years and happy that I’m not hidden away and forgotten.