'Only our rivers run free' songwriter Mickey MacConnell dies Updated / Thursday, 3 Jul 2025 21:58 Evelyn O\u0027Rourke By Evelyn O'Rourke Arts and Media Correspondent
The death of the writer of the popular song 'Only our rivers run free', Mickey MacConnell, has been confirmed by his family in Cork.
Born in 1947, near Enniskillen in Co Fermanagh, MacConnell was a journalist whose work appeared in the Irish press, The Washington post and the Kerryman.
He was also an acclaimed songwriter, and he released a number of albums including 'Peter Pan and me', which included evocative songs about the Troubles.
Another popular album was called 'joined up writing' and 'Live at John B's'.
Mr MacConnell's close friend Billy Keane described him as "one of the finest and most courageous singers of his generation".
Mr Mac Connell is survived by his wife Maura, and his daughters Kerry and Clare.
The death has occurred of Michael (Mickey) MacConnell Feale Drive, Listowel, Kerry / Belnaleck, Fermanagh
MacConnell, Michael (Mickey), Feale Drive, Listowel, Co. Kerry and formerly of Belnaleck, Co. Fermanagh. 3rd of July, 2025, after a short illness, in the tender care of the SIVUH Cork staff and surrounded by his loving family. Pre-deceased by his brother Sean. He his deeply missed by his adoring wife Maura, daughters Kerry (Benard) and Claire (Martyn), brothers Cathal and Cormac, sons-in-law Francois and Paddy, grandchildren Molly, Padraig, Sally and Cormac, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
UPDATE: This message verifies that this is the Mickey MacConnell who posted here as Chordstrangler. May he rest in peace.