Irish singer Damien Dempsey has released a tribute song to Irish soccer star James McClean, who throughout his sporting career has stirred controversy with his Irish identity and refusal to wear a poppy.
The new song, aptly titled "James McClean," is featured on Dempsey's new album "Hold Your Joy," which was released on October 25.
Derry native McClean, 35, has previously spoken about the sectarian abuse he has endured for being proudly Irish throughout his career; he's played for the Irish national team, as well as Derry City, Sunderland, Wigan Athletic, West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City, and currently, Wrexham.
In an incident last month, McClean appeared to respond to jeering spectators during the Wrexham - Birmingham City soccer match at St. Andrew's Stadium in England by slapping his "Free Derry" tattoo on his thigh as he exited the pitch.
A person in the stands launched a beer at him, which McClean caught, pretended to sip from, and tossed on the ground.
The following day, McClean shared a photo of the incident alongside a Bobby Sands quote to his Instagram stories.
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In his new song, Dempsey summarizes McClean's experiences:
"He walks into the stadium to compete with the best, but he's greeted with hatred, all because of his vest.
"He would wear one for soldiers who died in the World Wars, but won't wear one for killers who kicked in Irish doors."
You can listen to "James McClean" by Damien Dempsey here:
Of his new album, Dublin native Dempsey said: "The album 'Hold Your Joy' came from a great book I read that really lifted me when I was down in the dumps, the 'Book of Joy' by Douglas Abrama.
"He got two wise men together to talk about the importance of trying to stay grateful and joyful, these two men had lived through wars and oppression in their native lands, exile and apartheid, but maintained that you can do far more good for the world and those around you and yourself. if you try and stay grateful and joyful through it all.
"The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu were the two wise men, everyone on earth needs to read this book, or hear it."
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