Forgotten Soldier is the stage name of Ronan McManus, a post-punk solo artist from Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim. Using a groovebox and guitar, he creates punk-driven tracks with sharp, impassioned vocals that question both local and national issues. His sound is influenced by 80s acts like The Minutemen and Mission of Burma, with a vocal intensity similar to Meryl Streek.
McManus launched the Forgotten Soldier project in 2017 with the Man on a Bridge EP, which includes two video singles:
Man on Bridge – Watch on YouTube
Test Fire – Watch on YouTube
His second EP, Doing My Own Research, came out in 2022. Tracks from both EPs have received local and national airplay.
In April 2025, he released a new single, Act of Nothingness, noted for its driven sound and vocal style reminiscent of Ferghal McKee (Whipping Boy). It has gained strong radio support across Ireland.
McManus is also curating a punk night in Manorhamilton at the end of August and plans to release more music later in the year.
Forgotten Soldier’s music is part of The New Music, a film by Chiara Viale. The film will screen on September 3rd at the National Library of Ireland during Chapter 3 of Panorama – Visual Landscapes of Ireland.
Find out more music HERE
