Michael MacConnell (performing as Mickey MacConnell; December 28, 1947 – July 3, 2025) was a Northern Irish musician, songwriter, and journalist from Bellanaleck, County Fermanagh. MacConnell was the youngest member of a musical family. Before focusing on music, MacConnell worked in Dublin for the Irish Press Group and The Irish Times. In 1965, MacConnell wrote the song “Only Our Rivers Run Free”, which addressed the impact of the Irish border on the natural world. MacConnell moved to Listowel, County Kerry, with wife Maura to pursue songwriting. Solo recordings include the albums Peter Pan and Me (1992) and Joined Up Writing (2000). MacConnell also wrote the online hit “The Ballad of Lidl & Aldi”. MacConnell blended traditional Irish themes with contemporary songwriting throughout a career active between 1965 and 2000. MacConnell died in Listowel on July 3, 2025, at age 77.
