National anthems: Ireland vs Poland

Sir, – While there was a draw on Sunday in the soccer match between the Republic of Ireland and Poland, all things were not equal.

When the Polish national anthem was played, every member of the Polish team sang every word with pride. When ours was played, a few members of our national team sang, but most remained tight-lipped and stoney-faced.

The camera cut to the crowd, and a young boy aged six or seven could be seen singing every word of Amhrán na bhFiann and waving an Irish flag.

This young boy won the game for me. – Yours, etc, PATRICK KAVANAGH Rathgar, Dublin 6.