A LOCAL artist has released his new single ahead of supporting Cian Ducrot at Summer Sessions Letterkenny tomorrow night.
Rathmullan singer-songwriter Mick Russell, who goes by the artist name McGrath, returns with his deeply personal new single Home, released today (Thursday) via Some Action Records.
Written as a heartfelt tribute to his hometown, the song reflects on the people and place that shaped him, offering comfort to anyone who has ever found themselves longing for home.
Now based in Belfast, McGrath has steadily become one of Ireland’s most compelling emerging songwriters. Discovered while performing in a local Donegal pub, he has built a reputation for pairing rich storytelling with sharp wit and an unmistakable vocal delivery. His songs explore everything from drinking stout with his father to the arrival of the horsemen of the apocalypse and the ever-turning Rotha Mór an tSaoil (‘The Great Wheel of Life’), always balancing humour with emotional honesty.
On Home, however, McGrath turns his focus towards the place that started it all.
Speaking about the song, he says: “They say it takes a village to raise a child. That sentiment is certainly applicable to my upbringing. I hope that this song comforts those who miss home. I also hope it manages to deliver as much gratitude as possible to my beautiful hometown and its people. My Rathmullan.”
While deeply rooted in one corner of Donegal, Home captures a universal feeling. Whether you’ve moved away for work, study or simply life’s next chapter, the song speaks to the pull of familiar faces, old streets and the communities that continue to shape us long after we’ve left.
McGrath’s distinctive songwriting has already earned significant recognition. His voice and lyrical style caught the attention of George Ezra, who invited him to open for him in 2025, while his music has received airplay across BBC 6Music, RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ 2FM and BBC Introducing Ulster. A performance at Dublin’s renowned Ruby Sessions further established him as one of Ireland’s standout new live performers.
McGrath has already had a breakthrough year in 2026. Alongside launching his own Belfast club night championing emerging artists, McGrath has performed at British Summer Time in Hyde Park and is preparing to embark on his first headline UK and Ireland tour this November.
Produced by Rob Kirwan (PJ Harvey, Hozier, U2), Home continues to showcase McGrath’s ability to combine intimate storytelling with expansive, atmospheric production. Warm, nostalgic and quietly uplifting, it stands as both a love letter to Donegal and a reminder that no matter how far we travel, home is never too far from our hearts.
Rathmullan artist McGrath. Credit: Sully