Fermanagh songwriter Mickey MacConnell has died aged 78

Bellanaleck-born songwriter Michael "Mickey" MacConnell has passed away aged 78 after a short illness, according to his death notice.

MacConnell has been described as "one of the finest and most courageous singers of his generation".

After a riot in Enniskillen during the Troubles, the singer penned the well-known ballad 'Only Our Rivers Run Free' as a teenager in 1965.

The song sparked MacConnell’s full devotion to his music, inspiring him to later move to Co. Kerry with his wife, Maura.

The songwriter released his first album Peter Pan and Me in 1992.

Second album Joined Up Writing was released in 2000 and took a broader look at life and politics outside of Ireland.

Mickey MacConnell, a true legend — songwriter, poet, lyricist, composer, columnist, journalist, balladeer, husband, and dad, has died. He lived amongst us in Listowel. Tá sé smith ar shlí na fírinne.https://t.co/RoX2781qSv

— Conor Keane (@ConorKeane) July 3, 2025

Many of MacConnell’s songs have been recorded by well-known artists like Christy Moore, The Wolfe Tones and Mary Black.

Moore recorded a version of 'Only Our Rivers Run Free' on his 1983 album The Time Has Come.

MacConnell previously worked as a journalist in Dublin with the Irish Press Group and The Irish Times, as well as writing a weekly column in The Kerryman in later years.

The singer is survived by his wife Maura, his two daughters, Kerry and Clare and several grandchildren.