Do we need to continue with Ireland’s Call
Do we need to continue with Ireland’s Call into the future or can we go back to just our National Anthem. In 2013 can people see this as being a problem for people or players from Northern Ireland and can we put these differences to one side for the sake of the national side. After all it is only 2 minutes before an 80 minute match where all political differences are put to one side anyway. I would be in favour of doing away with Ireland’s Call. If we get enough support we could bring it to IRFU Headquarters and see how far we get.
We have come a long way since Phil Coulter penned Ireland’s Call in 1995. On the other hand we may just open up a can of worms that neither the IRFU or rugby people have the stomach for. Am I just being pedantic or do I have a point. I remember back to 2007 when England came to Croke Park for the first time, and hearing Amhran Na bhFiann sung with such passion by players and fans alike it was in my own words the day “Ireland Grew Up”. It was a truly special day.
Then when Ireland’s Call was sung with such gusto aswell I thought I may be out of line. Until the 2011 World Cup down in New Zealand when Ireland played USA in the opening fixture of Pool C, It was September 2011, 10 years on from 9/11 and to hear “the star spangled banner” that day was truly special and it first set me thinking about our two anthems. Do we really need Ireland’s Call?? Ireland won that day and went on to top the group. I do realise that this World Cup was particularly special due to the fact that so many Irish were in New Zealand for reasons beyond their control. So maybe Ireland’s Call has a more meaningful impact away from home than it has at home??
To sum up, the main reason I bring this up is, Do we really need two anthems as far as I know we are the only nation in world sport to have this particular distinction. I am open to contradiction on this!!
So please to whom it concerns at the IRFU, Do the right thing and discuss this matter…
Cian Mc Gibney. 07/08/2013.