Article Contributed by Mike
Published on October 30, 2025
Following the success of his debut single ‘1969’, Donegal singer-songwriter Seán Feeny returns this October 30th with ‘Western Roads’, a powerful folk-pop song inspired by his great-grandfather’s journey to the Rocky Mountains.
Debut single, ‘1969’ (watch video here) released in August, received glowing reviews and support from Hot Press, RTÉ Entertainment, Irish News, Belfast Telegraph and RTÉ Radio 1, plus outlets across the UK, Germany and Canada.
While ‘1969’ paid tribute to his parents’ marriage in Belfast at the dawn of The Troubles, ‘Western Roads’, again produced by Donegal producer and musician Orri McBrearty, sees Feeny delve deeper into family history and the story of his great-grandfather, John McGrath, who emigrated to Butte, Montana in search of work before returning home to Annacloy, County Down.
Seán said: “I was always fascinated that my great-grandfather went to Butte, Montana, a place famous for welcoming Irish emigrants. But what I appreciate even more is that he came back. Many didn’t after such a long journey. I come from a large family, and many of us wouldn’t be here had he not returned.”
‘Western Roads’ pays tribute not only to McGrath, but also to the Irish diaspora who built new lives abroad while keeping their ties to home.
“This song is as much about my family as it is about celebrating those who dug deep and emigrated in hope of a better life, but never forgot their roots. Our diaspora should always be celebrated,” Seán said.
The accompanying music video, directed by Donegal filmmaker Charlie Joe Doherty, brings the story to life closer to home.
Shot on the Fintown Railway in County Donegal, the video transports viewers to another era, evoking the journeys of Irish emigrants: “We stepped back in time on the Fintown Railway thanks to Comhlacht Traenach na Gaeltachta Lair. The setting really paints the picture and helps tell the story.”
With evocative lyrics, rich melodies, and a deeply personal narrative, ‘Western Roads’ builds on Seán’s reputation as a songwriter unafraid to blend history, heritage, and heartfelt storytelling.
