There is a call for Ireland's Call

[Hibernophile]

I find it most upsetting to see Ireland's Call being criticised by those who think that the Soldier's Song should be the only anthem representing the Ireland rugby team. Granted, it may not have the gravitas and divine ecstacy of Nessun Dorma, but Coulter deserves huge praise for composing a song that represents the people from "four proud provinces of Ireland". I doubt there are more than a handful of Unionists who contribute to this website, but I would love to see their views expressed. I have some connections north of the border with people of a moderate unionist persuasion, and they are, to a man, very fond of I.C. Recently, I was at a funeral near Lisburn and was struck by how many of the kids attending the aftermath in the local hotel were wearing Ireland and Ulster jerseys. But down here, I sense a deep sectarian bigotry on the part of those who want AMhran na Bfiann or nothing. Who are these people? Are they genuine rugby fans? Has rugby been part of the tapestry of their lives, as it has with mine? Surely it is only a small minority that holds this warped view of a genuine attempt to come up with words that truly represent both traditions on this island?

[pauriceenjack]

The soilders song is a bit barbaric

[meriwether]

have some connections north of the border with people of a moderate unionist persuasion, and they are, to a man, very fond of I.C.

Its dirge.
It may be necessary dirge due to our complicated political shenanigans, but its dirge nonetheless.

[Hibernophile]

Although I am inclined to agree, my topic is less about whether or not the SS is suitable, but more about why it has to be the SOLE anthem representing two very different traditions.

[pauriceenjack]

Why not replace the SS with IC with a view to the future

[meriwether]

Although I am inclined to agree, my topic is less about whether or not the SS is suitable, but more about why it has to be the SOLE anthem representing two very different traditions.

They aren't very different.

The notion that Billy from Rathcoole has more in common with Johnny from Birmingham than Paddy from Poleglass is ludicrous in the extreme.

Unless Transubstantion and Consubstantion amount to 'very different traditions'.

In every other civilised country in the world, it doesn't.

However, I acknowledge that in the twisted vacumn that many in the North operate, this sort of nonsense with symbols and songs is important, so it has to be tolerated.

[JDLK]

Just play Irelands Call, I like SS but you have to admit that IC is alot more in keeping with the whole unity movement.

Plus its starting to look weird playing 2 different songs at matches, and with call for the Britsh Anthem to be played aswell it'll be like some kind of mini concert before each game

[pauriceenjack]

How about a new flag as well. Green with Harp

[Aindriu]

The soilders song is a bit barbaric

So is GSTQ - read all the verses!

[Leftfemme22]

How about a new flag as well. Green with Harp

WTF?

There is no f*cking way you are a member of FF, even the gombeen cutehoor element of the party would never denounce the flag.