Country star Daniel O’Donnell has paid a warm tribute to Enniskillen woman Anna Monaghan who died earlier this month.

The 60-year-old had been ill in hospital having been treated for pneumonia.

Anna, who had down syndrome, had a positive impact on many people throughout her life, including Mr. O’Donnell who had known her for over 30 years.

The Donegal singer was unable to get to the funeral at St. Michael’s Church but managed to speak to Anna’s family via a video call the night before.

Now, speaking to this newspaper from Tenerife, Mr. O’Donnell described Anna as “an incredible person” who “affected people in a positive way”.

“Me, included,” he said. “You always left in better humour, you felt that joyous feeling. Anna had that thing about her,” Mr. O’Donnell told The Impartial Reporter.

“I got to see her in South West Acute Hospital and I am so glad I did. That was my last time to see her and even that day she was so happy.

“She could always put a smile on your face, I am going to miss her terribly,” he said.

Watching the funeral aboard, Mr. O’Donnell described it as “simply beautiful”.

“I watched her funeral from the web cam from the church; Father Brian, the other clergy, the singers – everything about it was lovely,” he said.

He believes Anna will be remembered as “someone who brought a great deal of jot to anyone who was lucky enough to be her presence”.