THE Pope gets new socks and the knitter gets new rosary beads.
Julia O'Donnell -- mother of singers Daniel and Margo -- knitted a few pairs of socks for Pope Benedict earlier this year, using the best Donegal wool.
"I just decided to knit a few pairs of socks for the Pope," the 92-year-old said.
"It would be nice to think that he had a few pairs all the way from Donegal and, to be honest, I expected to hear no more about it."
But earlier this week, Mrs O'Donnell got a pleasant surprise when the postman delivered a package from the Vatican containing a pair of rosary beads, a personal letter of thanks, a blessing and a memento signed by the Pontiff.
"I just couldn't believe it at first," she said.
"I never thought that anybody would take the time to do such a thing. I am absolutely honoured."
"I am delighted for my mother -- these gifts have been a real tonic for her and have given her a great lift," Daniel said.