Madam, - As God will be invoked to save the queen at Croke Park, perhaps Amhrán na bhFiann should be decommissioned for the occasion and be replaced by God Save Ireland (T.D. Sullivan, 1867) to ensure a level praying-field. - Yours, etc,
MYLES McSWINEY,
Cricklewood Park,
Belfast 9.
Madam, - My grandmother's brother, John Wyse Power, was one of the founders of the Gaelic Athletic Association in 1884. I have no idea how he would feel about the playing of God Save the Queen at Croke Park next Saturday, as he has been dead for over 80 years.
I agree with Fintan O'Toole (Opinion, February 19th) that those present at the match should listen in respectful silence. Diehard anglophobes can always grit their teeth, close their eyes, and think of Helen Mirren. - Yours, etc,
PATRICK O'BYRNE,
Shandon Crescent,
Phibsborough,
Dublin 7.
Madam, - The controversy over the playing of God Save the Queen at Croke Park next Saturday is compounded by the fact that Irish people understand perfectly well the words and sentiments of the English anthem, whereas we have a far from perfect understanding of the words and sentiments of our own national anthem.
Perhaps former Kerry player J.J. Barrett, who objects so vociferously to the playing of God Save The Queen at Croke Park and who describes the words of the English anthem as "arrogant" and "war-mongering", should give some thought to the old Gaelic saying: "Aithníonn ciaróg ciaróg eile". - Yours, etc,
BERNARD McDONNELL,
Assistant Principal,
Plunket College,
Whitehall,
Dublin 9.
Madam, - Aaron McCalister's letter of February 15th, displayed a bemusing degree of ignorance and contradiction. God Save the Queen is not the anthem of Northern Ireland; it is the anthem of the United Kingdom. The Ulster players turn out for Ireland, not the UK. Ireland's Call is a compromise to give respect to the fact that there are indeed players from the UK (who may or may not wish to remain part of the UK) playing for Ireland, which it is their choice to do.
What evidence does Mr McCalister have to show the GAA is sectarian? Its late president, Jack Boothman, was a proud Protestant and I don't believe he showed any signs of sectarianism. The GAA is an avowedly nationalist organisation, nothing to do with religion. - Is mise,
BRENDAN MURRAY,
Crestwood,
Coolough Road,
Galway.
Madam, - I think I may have found a solution to the Croke Park anthem dilemma. God Save the Queen should be translated and sung in Irish, a language the vast proportion of our people do not appear to understand. - Yours, etc,
DES MacHALE,
Avonlea Court,
Blackrock,
Cork.