President Michael D. Higgins has released his powerful new spoken-word album Against All Certainty, featuring 10 original poems with music composed by Irish musician and filmmaker Myles O’Reilly. The highly anticipated collection is out now across CD, vinyl and digital formats, marking a major cultural moment for Irish arts and literature.
The release arrives alongside the breathtaking new video for “The Betrayal,” directed by Ellius Grace and starring Ciarán Hinds, Éanna Hardwicke and Ruth McGill.
A Significant New Release from Ireland’s Poet-President
Recorded in Áras an Uachtaráin, Against All Certainty takes listeners on an immersive journey through President Higgins’s life, blending poetry, memory, political reflection and human experience. Known globally as a poet, Higgins brings decades of artistic and public insight to this deeply personal album.
Author and Laureate for Irish Fiction Sebastian Barry praised the album as:
“A milestone in Irish poetry… readers and listeners will be astonished by their inspired truthfulness and lovely adroitness of line.”
National Concert Hall Hosted a Sold-Out Launch Event
To mark the album’s release, the National Concert Hall hosted Against All Certainty: A Celebration of Michael D. Higgins, a completely sold-out evening honouring the President’s lifelong contribution to arts and culture.
Presented by Tommy Tiernan, the event featured powerful live performances of Higgins’s poetry accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra, with an exceptional lineup including: Mary Coughlan, Paul Brady, Imelda May, Andy Irvine, Brían Mac Gloinn, Martin Hayes, Paula Meehan, Sebastian Barry, God Knows, Ryan Tubridy, Panti Bliss and Olwen Fouéré.
About Michael D. Higgins & Myles O'Reilly
President Michael D. Higgins is one of Ireland’s most influential cultural and political figures. A poet, writer, sociologist and human-rights advocate, he has served as Ireland’s ninth President since 2011. His lifelong commitment to creativity, equality and public service has shaped modern Irish cultural identity.
Myles O’Reilly is an award-winning Irish composer and filmmaker known for his ambient soundscapes and distinctive visual storytelling. His work spans multiple acclaimed film and music projects, including the celebrated folk-music archive Arbutus Yarns.
Album Formats & Tracklist
Against All Certainty is available now in:
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CD Hardback (60-page book) with essays, poetry, forewords and photography
Tracklist:
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The Truth of Poetry
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Brothers
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Katie’s Song
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Dark Memories
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My Mother Married My Father in Mount Melleray in 1937
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The Death of The Red Cow
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Against All Certainty
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The Betrayal
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The Death of Mary Doyle
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Stargazer
Order Your Copy Now at Claddagh Records
Against All Certainty stands as a landmark creative work from one of Ireland’s most influential cultural voices. Blending poetry, memory and music, the album offers a rare insight into the life and reflections of President Michael D. Higgins.
Order Your Copy Now at Claddagh Records and experience this powerful spoken-word collection in full.