‘Western Roads’ is the second single from singer-songwriter Seán Feeny, following his debut ‘1969’. This reflective song was inspired by Feeny’s great-grandfather’s journey to the Rocky Mountains. Blending history and family, Feeny delivers a deeply personal narrative, as he explains: “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. 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.” With an insistent rhythm and a compelling, memorable melody, Feeny pulls you into his emotive storytelling.
Filmed on the Fintown Railway in Donegal, the video reinforces the historical theme of travelling far from home while maintaining a close, heartfelt link to your roots. Directed by Charlie Joe Doherty, it features stunning landscapes and railway nostalgia, the perfect complement for Feeny’s lyrical storytelling and tuneful songwriting. He says: “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 his first two absorbing singles, Donegal’s Seán Feeny has already shown himself to be a fine songwriter and is definitely one to watch. Look out for his forthcoming album “Galactic Tides”, which is due on 6th February 2026. He says: “So much of this album is about movement, across countries, across generations, across the inner world. I grew up surrounded by stories of people leaving, people returning, people trying to figure out where they fit. The more I wrote, the more I realised these songs weren’t just about my family or Irish history, they were about anyone who’s ever felt uprooted or unanchored but kept going anyway. ‘Galactic Tides’ became the language for that journey. These invisible forces, grief, hope, love, memory, pull us in ways we don’t always understand. But eventually they hopefully bring us somewhere that feels like home.” It promises to be a collection of thoughtful, lyrical, personal reflections and stories. Check it out.
