As a plaque is unveiled to the composer of 'Amhrán na bhFiann' BRIAN O'CONNELLtakes to the streets to ask if our national anthem is still relevant
MORE THAN 200 people turned out in Dublin this week for the unveiling of a plaque dedicated to the composer of Amhrán na bhFiann. Patrick Heeney's air is sung in late-night bars and on sporting occasions, by young students in classrooms and large swathes of the population during moments of national celebration. Yet how many of us know the words? And is The Soldier's Songan appropriate modern anthem?
As an increasingly multicultural society, some have suggested that it would be better if our national anthem were one sung in a language spoken by the majority of the people – and Ireland's Callhas become the all-island version sung at international rugby matches.
We went on to the streets of Cork to find out what people think of the national anthem – and how much of it they can sing.
JOE BUTLER 27
I do know the words to Amhrán na bhFiann. Any GAA-goers like me would know most of the lyrics. That's where I learned much of them, and then I looked some of them up myself. I know the words to Ireland's Callalso. They're very easy. With the national anthem it's that whole thing of tradition versus modernity. The words are very specific, but it does symbolise more for everyone. It is still appropriate because we like to believe we are a modern nation. I sing it at matches – badly but in full voice. To be able to represent your country and have the national anthem sung at you, I can imagine, is the ultimate honour. In terms of the words, I think you have to know where you're coming from to know where you're going.
DAN BUCKLEY 54
Unfortunately I do know the national anthem, from years of having it beaten into me in primary school. I think it is a tedious anthem, notwithstanding the fact it is well meaning. I think we should do away with it and have an anthem compatible with both north and south. Danny Boy,as we call it down south, or The Londonderry Airis the one I think we should have and sing with gusto. I think Amhrán na bhFiannflies in the face of the peace process. It's a jingoistic song and fairly pedestrian. It doesn't really give you that sense of belonging. Its saving grace in a way is that most people who mumble it haven't a clue what they're singing. If we actually knew what it meant we probably wouldn't sing it at all; we'd be appalled.
THERESE TIERNEY 33
I know it off by heart, because I learned it in school. I’m a bit indifferent to it. It’s fine. I think it has a good melody. I’m not sure that many people take it very seriously. Years ago when people spoke Irish, and the country was less multicultural, it may have been more important. My sister’s husband, who lives in Ireland, is from Ghana, and he definitely doesn’t know it. I am probably the only one out of my family who can sing it. I just happened to learn it because I went to an Irish school.
There are more important things to be distracting ourselves with these days than focusing on Amhrán na bhFiann.Does it really say much about the country? I don't think it does.
COLM Ó MURCHÚ 51
I am well familiar with the anthem and would know all the words of it. I took the trouble of learning it. What are anthems supposed to do? They're supposed to be clarion calls. The one we have is clarion enough in my opinion. It needs to be suitably rabble-rousing, and I think that's what it does. The fact that it is in Irish doesn't bother me. It has to be in some tongue, and it is our first language. Ireland's Callis offensive to everyone, I think. It is an unfortunate compromise. It is a rugby anthem, which they have decided to use. They have decided to use the badge of Ireland as their logo and yet won't use the anthem of the country, which I think is wrong. Amhrán na bhFiannis a song that represents Irishness in all its full-blooded sense. I don't think it should be changed because it is presumed some people are going to be offended by it. I haven't heard anyone offended by it; often people with nothing better to do decide that other people will be offended by it.
KEITH PASCOE 52
I know the tune to it. I was born in England and brought up there. I'm a musician, so I know the air but not the words. I think it is quite a rousing anthem, and, if you compare it to something like the French anthem, it is equally rousing. I think the words are encouraging people to fight against the enemy and be victorious in battle and be proud. I do think, though,that anthems are outdated, in the sense that nations are outdated. They're a bit embarrassing in every country. Musically the Irish one is good. There are an awful lot worse. The British one is pretty poor, even though it is an ancient tune. It's not very inspiring and doesn't reach a peak. Maybe it is to do with republican national anthems . . . like the Irish or French, which seem to have much more energy. I think it is time to shelve national anthems and move on. But there is a European national anthem, which nobody ever sings. It is Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Ode to Joy.I can sing that.
