Helen O’Shea unveils powerful new single Caged Birds with Liam Ó Maonlaí

Music Review | 8th Dec, 2025

Limerick-born singer-songwriter Helen O’Shea is back with a brand new single, Caged Birds, the fourth release from her upcoming album Songs In The Key of O, a project inspired by two absolute Irish legends, Sinéad O’Connor and Dolores O’Riordan.

And this one’s a special collaboration. The track features the incredible Liam Ó Maonlaí of Hothouse Flowers, bringing his unmistakable voice and soulful piano to the mix.

Caged Birds began taking shape when Helen’s longtime producer and co-writer, two-time Grammy winner Marc Swersky, shared a Celtic rock-style instrumental with her in the studio. Right away, it sparked something deep. Helen was already in the headspace of honoring Sinéad O’Connor, one of her personal heroes, and the song quickly became a powerful, emotional anthem with healing at its core.

Marc originally imagined channeling a bit of Phil Lynott’s raw, passionate energy into the track — and that spirit definitely made its way into the bones of the song. But things took an unexpected and magical turn after Helen bumped into Liam O Maonlai at Ireland’s folk conference Your Roots Are Showing back in January. After hearing the song and connecting with its message, Liam was immediately on board.

Working with Helen on ‘Caged Birds’ started with a great force of friendship and enthusiasm. The rest looked after itself. - Liam O Maonlai

Lyrically, Caged Birds continues Helen’s long-standing inspiration from Maya Angelou, exploring the lasting impact of hidden childhood abuse — particularly on young girls. It also pays heartfelt tribute to Sinéad O’Connor’s bravery in speaking openly about her own trauma.

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

At its heart, Caged Birds is both a tribute and a call for truth, a song for anyone still finding the courage to speak out.

Helen’s new album, Songs In The Key of O, is set for release on March 6th, and if this single is anything to go by, it’s going to be one deeply moving body of work.

The single, Caged Birds, is available through all streaming platforms.

Photo Credit: Helen O’Shea