A chara, – I read the article in Saturday's paper on the national anthem with interest (Hugh Linehan, "Shoving Connie around the field – how do you sing the national anthem", August 13th). I was taught the lyrics in detail in my primary Gaelscoil, which may indeed be a testament to the Irish-language movement's regrettable occasional connection to political nationalism, a connection which I believe does the language far more harm than good.
I hollered along happily at the time, following the group and the teacher’s instructions, as children generally do. Now, however, I realise that the overtly violent and simplistic lyrics do not reflect my opinions or my understanding of my Irishness, as I’m sure they don’t reflect those of many Irish people.
Being someone who both understands and speaks Irish, I considered myself to have no excuse, and so never sing Amhrán na bhFiann anymore. Though the lyrics certainly would have meant much to some people when it was written, I do not feel they reflect the peaceful, complex Ireland we see today.
Therefore I do not think we should force it on all schoolchildren, at an age before they can really formulate their own opinions on the subject. If you do wish to learn it, I’m sure you could do so on the internet in less than an hour.
That way, young children who wouldn’t want to be singing militaristic songs, particularly those from pacifist backgrounds, for example, wouldn’t have to do so.
I am grateful to live in a peaceful, inclusive country and I believe we should have an anthem that reflects that – perhaps just an instrumental. That way, everyone could have it mean whatever Ireland is to them personally, in their own head. In the meantime, if you are anxious that children learn more of the country’s heritage, the Irish language has many very beautiful poems and songs, most of which have lyrics not politically divisive in the slightest, and which ordinary people could still relate with today. – Is mise,
AOIBH NÍ CHROIMÍN,
Dún Laoghaire,
Baile Átha Cliath.