The death of Mickey MacConnell, writer of the popular song 'Only Our Rivers Run Free', has been confirmed by his family in Cork.
Born in 1947, near Enniskillen in Co Fermanagh, he was a journalist whose work appeared in the Irish Press, The Washington Post and The Kerryman.
Mr MacConnell 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".
He is survived by his wife Maura and his daughters, Kerry and Clare.
