Rugby anthem that would give a lift to all players

IT was inevitable that the rugby World Rugby would provoke a debate about Ireland’s Call.

The problem is we cannot solve this issue by a display of political correctness. This is essentially the IRFU’s solution. The aim is worthy in that there is an attempt to deal with the presence of two national identities on a single team.

In general I admire the record of Irish rugby ever since I became personally acquainted with it in 1968.

But the IRFU did not ask the people of Ireland, North or South, whether they were in favour of Ireland’s Call when they introduced it.

The decision was a bureaucratic one by those who think they know best. But an anthem has to inspire players and supporters alike. On that basis, Ireland’s Call is a flop. ‘Nul points’, as Terry Wogan (Limerick and Old Belvedere) might say.

We have to cry with pride in Ireland’s anthem, not with frustration and irritation. But we must have players from all 32 counties equally uplifted. For this reason, once again, I urge the merits of There Is An Isle.

It is an anthem for a 32-county Ireland. In addition I urge that we play in Irish green and we keep the famous names of Thomond Park and Lansdowne Road. Have we not yet absorbed the lessons of Munster’s success? It seems not.

Gerald Morgan

School of English

Trinity College

Dublin 2