Sir , – With the Rugby World Cup approaching, it is worth examining whether or not the IRFU's experiment of replacing our national anthem with Ireland's Callfor away matches has been a success. In my view, it has not.
Last week's half-hearted rendition of this song in Bordeaux was completely overshadowed by the full-blooded rendition of La Marseillaiseby the French supporters – a great anthem that unites the players and supporters for the battle ahead.
An anthem is more than a song, just as a flag is more than a piece of fabric or a collection of colours. We do not need to shy away from Amhrán na bhFiann. We should embrace it as something great – a unifying anthem of a new republic, an essential element of the mix of team, the green jersey, the flag, the supporters and the game that has brought us together for generations, whatever our tradition.
As all of our world cup matches are technically "away" matches, the current plan is to only sing Ireland's Callat each match. I strongly urge the IRFU to re-consider this policy and I urge all Irish supporters to sing Amhrán na bhFiannat all of our matches, whatever the band is playing. – Yours, etc,