Sir, – David Murphy is correct (August 18th) on the issue of singing Ireland's Callin Bordeaux last Saturday. However, he has ignored the important fact that there were very few Irish fans in the stadium. On the return fixture in the Aviva this Saturday the positions will be reversed, with the vast majority of the fans being Irish and I would wager that Ireland's Callwill overshadow La Marseillaise.
Leaving this aside, Mr Murphy (along with many others), misses some important points regarding the Irish rugby team. This island is divided into two jurisdictions, The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (which is part of the United Kingdom). The national anthems are Amhrán na bhFiannand God Save the Queenrespectively. Unlike in soccer, where the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are represented by separate teams, in rugby one team, the Irish rugby team, represents both these jurisdictions.
Ireland's Callhas no connection with either tradition on this island and therefore as a compromise anthem does not offend either. I trust this will shed some light on the issue and trust that everyone attending the match on Saturday in the Aviva will get behind the Irish team, cheering them on to victory.