Ulster fans’ call to drop Amhrán na bhFiann

ALTHOUGH Irish rugby fans might be underwhelmed by Ireland’s Call, it is the future of Amhrán na bhFiann that appears to be more under threat as an anthem to be played on big-match occasions.

An Ulster Unionist peer yesterday expressed disappointment that the Irish rugby authorities had ignored his calls not to play The Soldier’s Song at today’s opening Six Nations match between Ireland and Italy at Croke Park.

Lord Laird of Artigarvan, who has been campaigning for the IRFU to abandon playing the national anthem at home matches, has been frustrated by the reluctance of rugby bosses to address growing anger from Ulster rugby fans on the subject of anthems.