Sir, - Rev Paul Andrews (August 31st) criticises the teams playing in the Galway-Derry semi-final in Croke Park for not singing the National Anthem. He includes in his criticism the huge crowd, many of whom who neither sang nor showed respect for the anthem while it was being played.
Father Andrews goes on to suggest that people do not sing the anthem because they do not like it. "It belongs to another century and situation" and is now "silly".
Having expressed dissatisfaction with players, supporters and Amhrβn na bhFh∅ann itself, he praises the French for their wholehearted singing of La Marseillaise. I wonder if Father Andrews understands the words of the French anthem. If not, its sentiments might surprise him, exhorting the singers: "To arms citizens! Raise a bloody standard and march forward to fill the furrows of the fields with impure blood". Amhrβn na bhFhiann cannot match that.
While we are waiting for the French to discard an anthem "which belongs to another century and situation", the GAA might instruct its members to learn the words of Amhrβn na bhFh∅ann in Irish and English so as to be able to acquit themselves honourably at Croke Park. The spectators at the same venue might be requested either to sing or to attend to the anthem in respectful silence. - Yours, etc.,
M.M. Ireland, Priory Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin.