Singer-songwriter Helen O’Shea joins Liam O’Maonlaí on ‘Caged Birds’ in honour of Sinéad O’Connor

Limerick’s Helen O’Shea, pictured above, was deeply inspired to honour one of her personal heroes, Sinéad O’Connor. Helen O’Shea releases her latest single with Hothouse Flowers’ Liam O’Maonlaí

Limerick-born, New-Jersey-based roots artist Helen O’Shea has released a new single ‘Caged Birds’ featuring acclaimed artist and songwriter Liam O’Maonlaí  

Limerick-born, New-Jersey based roots artist Helen O’Shea has released a new single ‘Caged Birds’ featuring acclaimed artist and songwriter Liam O’Maonlaí of Hothouse Flowers. The single is the fourth release from her highly anticipated album ‘Songs In The Key of O’, which pays homage to Sinéad O’Connor and Dolores O’Riordan (The Cranberries), and is due for release on March 6th, 2026.

Singer-songwriter O’Shea was deeply inspired to honor one of her personal heroes, Sinéad O’Connor during the creation of her upcoming album, when her long-time producer/co-writer and two-time Grammy winner Marc Swersky shared a Celtic rock-infused instrumental track with her. It was this moment that sparked the creative journey of single “Caged Birds”, a powerful though poignant anthem with a message of healing at its core.

In the studio, Swersky wished to channel the spirit of legendary Irish music icon Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy, infusing the track with the raw and passionate delivery characteristic of the beloved frontman and bassist. However, after the song’s completion, a chance meeting between O’Shea and Liam Ó Maonlaí at Ireland’s folk music conference (Your Roots Are Showing) in January, added a transformative layer to the track. Moved by the song’s message, Liam agreed to collaborate with O’Shea, contributing both his distinctive vocals and soul-stirring piano.

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“Working with Helen on ‘Caged Birds’ started with a great force of friendship and enthusiasm. The rest looked after itself”, Ó’Maonlaí says.

The lyrics of “Caged Birds” continue O’Shea’s ongoing homage to Dr. Maya Angelou, a recurring influence throughout her songwriting. The track addresses the long-lasting impact of hidden childhood abuse, particularly in the lives of young girls, and pays tribute to Sinéad O’Connor’s courage in speaking out about her own experiences.

“Sinéad’s legendary first appearance on Ireland’s Late Late Show changed everything,” says O’Shea. “She gave so many Irish girls the determination to find their voices and reshape their identities. In many ways, she helped set them free.”

“Caged Birds” stands not only as a tribute to Sinéad O’Connor’s fearless spirit, but also as a call for truth, resulting in a song especially for those still finding the courage to speak.

Announcing her album ‘Songs In The Key of O’ in July O’Shea earned strong international support from Hot Press, Front View Magazine, Vents Magazine and more, launching the highly collaborative LP with flair. Succeeding this was August single ‘Rock and Roll Angel (feat. Barry Murphy)’, a delicate original track penned with two-time GRAMMY award winning producer Marc Swersky, in honour of The Cranberries’ lead vocalist, Dolores O’Riordan.

Later in her life Helen rediscovered her life-long passion for music, quickly becoming a dynamic force in the independent music scene, collaborating with two-time Grammy winner Marc Swersky (Joe Cocker, Natalie Cole), winning Best Americana Song for “Sturdy Soul” at the Global Music Awards, and earning nominations for the 2024 Josie Awards and the International Singer-Songwriter Award for Best Duo with Alexander Simone for their collaboration on “Holy Mother”.

Songs in the Key of O’ (for release on March 6th 2026) features a talented list of collaborators, including Nathan Bishop, Nicole Scorsone, Brielle Brown, Michelle Moore (Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band – E Street Choir), Fiona Tyndall, Lauren O’Shea and more, with the LP engineered by Jack Daley (Spin Doctors), mixed by Seth Von Paulus (Linda Perry) and mastered by Leon Zervos.