Sir, – Louis Hogan (September 26th) states that the playing of our national anthem at sporting events should be confined to international fixtures.
Surely the Irish national anthem should be for all the people of Ireland, and not just for those who can afford to attend international events.
Why should 82,300 people – mainly Irish – not hear their national anthem being played and sung on all-Ireland hurling, football and camogie final days, or last Sunday at the all-Ireland ladies’ final? These occasions are fabulous examples of our Irish heritage and our sporting culture. Not to play our national anthem on such spectacular occasions would be depriving those in attendance, or watching at home or abroad, of an opportunity to enjoy their culture. – Yours, etc,
RAY SILKE,
Galway.