A Co Tyrone man’s new song for Irish people around the world who are missing home is ‘striking a chord’ during the pandemic.
Penned by Darryl Coyle, the aptly named ‘Ireland’ has helped Conleth McGeary recall why he does what he does after months without work.
Recorded on an empty Liverpool Street, the 26-year-old told us that reaction to the tune online has been pnemonenal.
Conleth said: “People haven’t been home for Christmas and are missing home.
“It’s nice to give people something to smile about and talk about.
“A friend of mine I write songs with came to me a couple of months ago and he had the first verse and the chorus written – he played it to me in my living room and we just added to it.
“The whole Irish thing and living in Liverpool, it just made sense.
“I was playing it at gigs and people were texting and ringing, saying ‘what is that song?'”
Since sharing the video recording on social media, Conleth said: “It’s been mad, my phone hasn’t stopped” with messages from people in Australia, America and even the Middle East.
“It’s for those away and those who are at home – if you are not away from home yourself you know a family member throughout the world – wherever you go there are Irish people. That song is just for them.
“I am away from home and I miss home. I love where I am at but when you are Irish, you are Irish forever. I knew it would strike a chord.”
Conleth, who is originally from Edendork, says he hasn’t been back home since the first lockdown when he sadly lost his aunt.
“I came home and she passed away,” he continued.
“It was hard but it was nice to be home and spend time with my family and appreciate what you really have.
“When things like that happen and you are going through that you miss home and you realise what the real important things are in life and it’s not about money or the material things – it’s family and the people you have, and friends.
“That’s the really important thing and your health is your wealth.”
The performer, who has sold out gigs in London and Liverpool, signed a new record deal with Hot Spring Records in London a few months ago, but says things have been quiet because of coronavirus.
But he hasn’t let that stop him and is looking forward to the day he can play live again.
He added: “My last show in London was sold out which is kind of mad. Off the back of that we are recording songs and getting them out as soon as.
“I went all in and chased the dream but it has kind of been shut down for a while, but when you put a video out like that – it’s mad what you get out of it.
“Everyone reaching out at a time that you can’t do your job and your lifeline… it makes you think I’m never leaving it no matter what happens.
“The music is number one!”
-- to www.belfastlive.co.uk
