Madam, – As an Irish citizen living and working in London for the past 48 years (and I might add an avid reader of The Irish Timesfor nearly as long), I am inspired to support the debate about the singing of our national anthem at rugby games. We should show some passion – we need only look to France, Italy and especially our near neighbours Wales and Scotland.
Ireland's Callwas written to appease some of our fellow Irishmen and means nothing to the majority of Irish supporters and most of the team.
Imagine old Blighty coming to Croke Park or Lansdowne Road and being asked to sing Danny Boyor Molly Maloneinstead of GSTQ.
There would be uproar. As a news retailer with three independent shops in the London area all of which have a long history of selling The Irish Times, I have the opportunity of hearing the views of many people. Most, but sadly not all, would agree that the passion is missing when we don't sing our national anthem. – Is mise,
LABHRAS O DONNCHADHA,
Court Road,
Ickenham,
Uxbridge,
England.