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.

The controversy stems from claims the IRFU prevented God Save the Queen being played as the home anthem when Ireland played Italy at Ravenhill last August in a pre-World Cup friendly.

Lord Laird and several other high-profile Ulstermen, including former Irish winger Trevor Ringland, have been angered by the refusal of the IRFU to meet them to discuss the issue.

Ulster fans have also signalled their intention of boycotting matches involving the national team because of the row. They maintain that God Save the Queen should have been sung at Ravenhill if the IRFU adopted a consistent approach to which anthems should be played at international games.

As a compromise, Lord Laird has proposed that Amhrán na bhFiann would not be played at today’s match in a gesture of reconciliation.

“This act could have led the way to a solution of the crisis of anthems and flags which would give equality to both nations on the island,” said Lord Laird yesterday.

The peer has also threatened to examine the issue of funding for the IRFU provided through the British Government.

“I have asked to see the Equality Impact Assessment upon which the funding was granted and along with others, will take interest in the granting of future funding,” said Lord Laird.

He added: “This equality problem must be solved and the sooner the better. Politics has no place in sport and to use it as a weapon of domination is simply outrageous.”

Lord Laird has proposed the solution that either both national anthems or neither should be played at rugby matches involving the Irish international team.

It is understood he has also contacted the team’s sponsors O2 in attempt to put further pressure on the IRFU.

A spokesperson for the IRFU said yesterday that the decision on what anthem was played at Ravenhill last year rested with the Ulster Branch.

However, the union’s official policy on anthems at matches is that Amhrán na bhFiann is played at all internationals held within the Republic of Ireland, while only Ireland’s Call is played at “away” fixtures.r