Ireland’s call now is for an anthem that gets us off to a tearful start

The current dilemma was experienced first at the inaugural World Cup in New Zealand 20 years ago. Suddenly on the night before the first game with Wales, it was realised that an anthem was needed.

The team lined up to a recording of The Rose of Tralee played by the James Last Orchestra

MUCH has been said and written about what was missing from the Irish rugby team during its woeful opening World Cup performance against Namibia, but less about what was missing before the game even started. The absence of the national flag and the national anthem from the pre-match ceremonies was both noteworthy and damaging but, unfortunately, it doesn’t look as if this error will be corrected either.