Lisa backs Connolly for Áras with classic song tribute

Ballyhaise native's six-track EP 'The Wind Doesn't Blow This Far Right' due out November 19.

Cavan singer-songwriter Lisa O'Neill has declared her support for Presidential hopeful Catherine Connolly with a heartfelt rewrite of the Percy French classic 'Come Back Paddy Reilly'.

In a video recently shared on social media, the Ballyhaise native, wearing a 'CC' badge on her hat, performs the adapted song, calling: 'Come home, Catherine Connolly, to the Áras'.

She sings: 'For the gardens of the Áras might weep on the morn Michael D. Higgins departs — a President that leaves us richer for his courage and presence of heart.'

The tribute continues: 'I think Catherine Connolly's cut from the same cloth — compassionate, brave and steadfast. And I hope that the gardens don't weep for too long. Come home, Catherine Connolly, to the Áras.'

O'Neill's endorsement comes as she prepares for the release of her new six-track EP on the Rough Trade record label, 'The Wind Doesn't Blow This Far Right', due out November 19.

A video for the EP’s title track- directed by Dublin-based director Ellius Grace- features appearances from a diverse and notable cast, including musicians Kae Tempest, Kevin Rowland, Spider Stacy of The Pogues, and Iona Zajac; Nigerian-Irish poet Feli Speaks; actresses Olwen Fouéré and Hazel Doupe; actors John McArdle and Jack Walsh; as well as Ishmael Claxton, Daniel O’Neill, Aiesha Wong, Nancy Ogden, Roseabelle O’Neill, Charlie Dineen, Sadie Mae O’Neill, and Ellie Doyle.

Gowna's Padraig Conaty acted as gaffer on set for the shooting of the video.

The track itself features Zajac on backing vocals as well as Brian Leach - hammered dulcimer and bass drum; Joseph Doyle - double bass; long time collaborator Mic Geraghty – harmonium; Seamas Hyland – accordion; Jordon O’Leary - electric guitar; and Ruth O’Mahony Brady – piano.

The EP also includes for the first time O'Neill's cover of Bob Dylan’s 'All The Tired Horses', previously featured in the final scene of Peaky Blinders. Another standout is 'Homeless In The Thousands (Dublin in the Digital Age)', a collaboration with Peter Doherty of The Libertines and Babyshambles, which was released last January.

Rounding out the release are a stirring rendition of 'Mother Jones' — a tribute to Irish-American union organiser Mary G. Harris Jones — a version of 'In the Bleak Midwinter', and a poignant close out with a reading of James Stephens’ poem 'Autumn 1915'.

O’Neill has also announced an Irish tour beginning later this month in Belfast and concluding at Dublin’s Vicar Street on December 21.

Closest to home on that tour are two nights at The Dock Arts Centre in Leitrim on November 13-14.