Natasha O’Brien performs song based on assault in Limerick by soldier

NATASHA O’Brien has performed a song based on her assault by a soldier in Limerick city.

The Limerick city woman performed a duet with Shane ‘Marno’ Barry, who wrote a song called Lock and Key, which is based on the assault of Natasha by former soldier Cathal Crotty on May 29, 2022.

“When the outcome of Natasha's case in court was released, I was overcome with extreme anger and disappointment at how it had been handled,” Shane said. 

“I wrote this song, and sent it to her and she asked me if she could sing it with me.”

READ MORE: Natasha O'Brien tells Limerick Pride she would call out homophobia 'again and again and again' despite assault

The duo released the song on Instagram via Shane’s page, which shows them singing and playing guitar and the tin whistle along to lyrics such as “are you aware of the trauma that’s caused? By a punch to the head, to the chin, to the jaw”.

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A post shared by Shane Barry (@shanemarnomusic)

Former Defence Forces private Cathal Crotty, was handed a three year suspended sentence for an ‘unprovoked and vicious assault’ on Natasha on O'Connell Street in Limerick city two years ago. Crotty was discharged from the Irish army on July 11, 2024.

Plenty of social media users flocked to the comments to show their support for the new music video, saying: “Gave me goosebumps, what a beautiful way of channelling” and “healing through music - haunting and excellent song and beautiful duet. Thank you both”.

There was public outcry following the sentencing, including protests nationwide in Limerick, Dublin, Galway and Cork as well as thousands showing their support online. 

Natasha also received a standing ovation in Dáil Éireann for, what Taoiseach Simon Harris deemed, ‘incredible bravery’.

Natasha and Shane plan on recording the song in a music studio and releasing it in due course.