john ireland (born near manchester, 13 august 1879; died washington, sussex, 12 june 1962) was an english composer. he is particularly remembered for his "piano concerto" and for his church music, especially the anthem "greater love hath no man", the song "the holy boy" and the hymn tune to "my song is love unknown". he had an unhappy childhood, and he always felt unsure of himself and rather lonely.