Did we miss something while watching the latest installment of Desperate Housewives? A big splash in the Sunday World says “Daniel O’Donnell mania has now gripped America.” Huh? 

We know that Daniel, the Donegal darlin’, has been doing theater gigs in Branson, Missouri for the past month, which is a solid way to turn a buck in the heartland’s many culturally deprived areas. But we weren’t aware, as the World breathlessly reported, that 60 million PBS viewers from coast to coast were glued to their sets recently as he starred in a fundraising telethon. 

“Daniel is achieving the American dream that has eluded luminaries from Boyzone to Westlife and Robbie Williams,” World reporter Eddie Rowley gushed. Who knew? He’ll probably be giving U2 a run for their money next!

Rowley’s article is really a hoot. “From the moment he glided on stage O’Donnell had the crowd, who arrived in by coach and plane from all across America and Canada, eating out of the palm of his hands,” he wrote. Those Daniel groupies sure know how to stand by their man.

Even Mrs. O’Donnell, Majella, is part of the act now. She got up and sang a duet with her man. Now there’s family values for you!