Donegal musician’s powerful new single captures heartbreak of defective concrete crisis - Donegal Daily

A Donegal-born singer-songwriter has channeled the devastation and heartbreak of the defective concrete crisis into his powerful new single.’Mica (Forgotten Pla...

A Donegal-born singer-songwriter has channeled the devastation and heartbreak of the defective concrete crisis into his powerful new single.

'Mica (Forgotten Place)' is the new release from Glenfin musician Lorc D.

The emotive track was inspired by his cousin's experience of having to leave behind a family home affected by defective blocks.

The song tells the story of a young Donegal couple who return home from Australia and build their family home.

Years later, they discover it is affected by defective concrete and this eventually leaves them with no choice but to tear it down.

Part of the song is also told through the eyes of their young daughter, inspired in part by a real letter sent to local radio by a child whose family was living through the crisis.

The final section also touches on Donegal as Ireland’s 'forgotten county,' including its lack of a rail connection and the sense of distance from decisions being made elsewhere.

For Lorc D, who is now based in London, the song is really about the human side of the crisis.

“For all the reports, statistics and political debate, that’s the part that often gets lost,” he said.

“It’s impossible to truly measure what it feels like to watch your family home slowly fall apart, or what years of uncertainty, fighting and waiting does to a person.”

He added also that, for him, the lack of a rail line in Donegal 'has always symbolised something bigger'.

"It reflects the distance many people in Donegal feel from the decisions that shape their lives, and the sense that when it mattered most, they were left to fend for themselves."

Lorc D also told how the song has received a huge and emotional reaction from those who have listened to it.

"I wrote it in November last year and then started gigging it," he revealed.

"It was going really well in gigs. People really responded to it and resonated with it.

"I had three others songs that I was in the middle of doing, but the reaction was so strong and the subject so important, that I dropped the, all to release this one.

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"I think everyone knows someone with mica (defective concrete). It hasn't escaped anyone in Donegal, whether you're directly affected, or have a friend or family member with it.

"I played the song in London and a girl cried. She was from Derry and knew all about it.

"I think I was a bit shocked that she was so moved by it. But, it gave me the confidence to say that this is the one I want to move forward with now.

"For me, as well I think, I went to college in Galway and you realise how little is known and understood about Donegal down in the south of Ireland.

"There's that 'forgotten county' aspect in the song, which is what I wanted to write about, as well.

"I wanted people to know just how much this crisis has affected people in Donegal.

"I think it's also tied in to the broader issue, in that Donegal doesn't get the support it needs in terms of funding.

Lorc D produced the entire song - writing the lyrics, arranging the music, and recording and mixing it late into the night.

It was recorded between Donegal and London, with Mark McGirr from Ballybofey on the drums and Shem Fillmore on fiddle.

"And now they’ll tear the houses down Lord knows no culprit will be found They say he’s living in Espana now"

"He came in with his head hung low, That’s when the cracks began to show, I wish my daddy could get back his glow And I don’t understand why we must go"

"So the people had to fight their case Withered down with hearts to break, Told here's a pittance you must take, Now go on back to your forgotten place. And with no train ride it’s a long oul way."

Mica (Forgotten County) is released on November 6th on streaming platforms.

You can also follow Lorc D on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lorc__d/

His debut EP, inspired very much by Glenfin and Donegal, will be released early next year.