Conor McGinty’s new Irish anthem ‘Home To The Heartland’ for native Derry striking a chord ahead of release tonight

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Conor McGinty has been getting rave reviews from some of the city’s most famous sons and daughters for his new Derry anthem.
By Brendan McDaid
Published 22nd Jul 2020, 14:51 BST
Updated 22nd Jul 2020, 15:57 BST

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Conor McGinty as pictured on his new single Home to the Heartland.Conor McGinty as pictured on his new single Home to the Heartland.
Conor McGinty as pictured on his new single Home to the Heartland.

Charting the story of a Derry emigrant returning to his native city with fresh eyes and a new appreciation for all it holds dear to them, Home to the Heartland is a song that would fit right in among the playlist of timeless Irish classic songs.

Among those who have already given Conor’s self-penned new single the thumbs up after getting a preview are actress and producer Roma Donwey and Derry footballer James McClean, who said: “Honestly I think it’s brilliant!”

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Fellow Derry singer Rachael O’Connor meanwhile described the song as “powerful” and praised Conor’s “pure” singing voice, while Foyle MLA Martina Anderson wrote that Home to the Heartland was “a soulful and heartfelt tribute to Derry”.

“Having travelled back to home many times I know the excitement, emotion and elation of returning to the #townwelovesowell... Conor skilfully and tactfully encapsulated all those feelings in this song. Go hiontach ar fad!”

Well known Derry UTV correspondent Mark McFadden meanwhile described the song as “one to touch the heart”.

Ahead of the song being released at 12am tomorrow morning (Thursday) and a new music video for the song being launched on Conor McGinty’s Facebook page and YouTube channel tonight, he told the Journal he is delighted with the feedback.

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Conor said: “Everyone so far that has heard it has said they can’t get over it!

“To be honest I surprised myself with regards to my writing ability. I’ve always wrote songs but never really spent time on actually recording them.

“I think the lockdown has helped me massively in pursuing putting out my own material now going forward.

“I’m delighted with the response so far from everyone that has heard it.”

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‘Home to the Heartland’ will be released on iTunes, Spotify and all the usual online music platforms tomorrow, and keep an eye out for the and a music video for the song was also released.

Check out Conor’s Facebook page here www.facebook.com/ConorMcGintyMusic/

Related topics:DerryMartina Anderson