A chara, – Colin Phillips (August 19th) is wrong to say " Ireland's Call. . . does not offend . . .".
I was disgusted that the new rugby song contained no Irish. A true compromise, in recognition of both identities on our island, would have been to have the chorus in English and the verses in Irish (or vice versa). The so-called “Irish” rugby team no longer gets any interest or support from me. – Is mise,
Sir, – I read with interest recent letters on our national anthem at the Rugby World Cup. The essential argument of those who refuse to support Amhrán na bhFiann, is that the team is an "All-Ireland one" and thus the song is somehow inappropriate.
I am afraid this analysis does not hold up to scrutiny. For many decades our Olympic team has also represented the entire island of Ireland. Those born in the North can choose to represent either Great Britain or our own nation. Many, from both traditions have chosen to compete for Ireland. They march into the stadium behind the Tricolour and in the event they were to win gold, our national anthem would be played.
Amrhán na BhFiannis a symbol of a sovereign, secular Republic which cherishes all of its citizens equally regardless of religious creed. I believe that abandoning it is an insult to our State and an expression of a national inferiority complex.
Unfortunately, the IRFU has decided to once again pander to the insecurity and irrational hostility of a minority by inflicting Ireland's Callon rugby fans. The result is that we will be the only nation on this Earth apparently too ashamed to sing its national anthem at the world cup.
It is not too late to address this disgraceful state of affairs. I appeal to the IRFU to reverse its policy and restore our anthem.
To paraphrase the great Ciaran Fitzgerald – “Where is your pride?” – Yours, etc,
Sir, – I feel David Murphy (August 18th) is completely ignoring that the Ulster contingent do not recognise Amhrán na bhFiannas their national anthem. Why not call for God Save the Queento be sung during the World Cup, the anthem to which the Northern Irish players profess loyalty? Amhrán na bhFiannis an anthem for the Republic of Ireland; our rugby team does not just represent the Republic and therefore to call for its inclusion at the expense of another more unifying song is most unfair.
In saying that, Ireland's Callshould not be that song and desperately needs to be replaced with something less cheesy. – Yours, etc,