Charity single from Emmet Scanlan out now

On January 12, 2010, an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale rocked the Caribbean island of Haiti, killing over 300,000 people, destroying homes and causing widespread devastation. A year later, humanitarian efforts continue, and faced with the massive project of rebuilding the worst-hit areas, organisations like Haven are on the ground, working with the country's worst-affected people. 

Galway singer Emmet Scanlan recently visited Haiti as a Haven volunteer. This is his second visit to the country since the quake struck - last April he was part of a week-long trip which saw volunteers build 80 houses, a playground and a community centre in Gonaives, north-west Haiti. Though the task these volunteers face is daunting, to say the least - Emmet was moved by the strength of the Haitian people. "They are truly inspiring", he says. "They seem to have this unquenchable hope after all they've been through." It must be frustrating for people to feel so helpless in the wake of such an epic tragedy? "Absolutely", he agrees. "For example, one guy I met, John, - is a carpenter with fluent English and a full driver's license. He's got a wife and four kids to support - He'd give his right arm to get some work and get out of the squalor."

As well as visiting the country, Emmet has also written a song inspired by the plight of the Haitian people, the proceeds of which will go directly to Haven. How exactly did 'A Man May Cry' come about? "I began writing it when the earthquake happened", he explains. I had the music for a good while before that, but no lyrics. So between the time of the earthquake and my first trip over there, it all came together". The song, he says, is a reaction to the delay in getting much-needed aid into the country. "Help was not happening quick enough", he says. "To see such vast destruction and to have many willing bodies, but for them to be tied up in bureaucracy, was very sad."

Haven are thrilled with the track, which is available to buy now. "We have heard the song, and think it's fantastic!", says the charity's spokesperson Sarah Fitzpatrick. I think Emmet has really captured the anguish of the people and we are 100% behind it." 

'A Man May Cry' by Emmet Scanlan & What The Good Thought is available to buy now on iTunes, priced 99c. All proceeds go to Haven. Picture by Paul Toland.