2014 Six Nations: Ireland vs Scotland (Round 1)

[Draggs]

by the way, Irishmen on here:

I noticed quite a few Irish players would not sing the anthem, it seemed with determination or at least a noticeable demeanor like it meant something...something to do with divisions ? the anthem symbolizes something they refuse to submit to...what was that ? or am I reading into it too much..
just curious.

Because some of the players aren't Irish, but Northern Irish and citizens of the United Kingdom. First anthem is of RoI, second is the IRFU song that is pretty tepid.
Who were the players that didn't sing?

 

[big ginger 8]

by the way, Irishmen on here:

I noticed quite a few Irish players would not sing the anthem, it seemed with determination or at least a noticeable demeanor like it meant something...something to do with divisions ? the anthem symbolizes something they refuse to submit to...what was that ? or am I reading into it too much..
just curious.

Rugby in Ireland is traditionally upper middle class. In the north of Ireland most people in that social bracket are Unionist or at least don't subscribe to the idea of one Ireland. Amhran na Bhfiann is very much an anthem for the Republic. That's why Ireland's Call is there so there can be a rugby anthem both sides can share. Amhran na Bhfiann is also only sung at home matches. Most Ulster players are Northern Irish so it's not their anthem basically. The only one who's from the Republic of the top of my head is Bowe. That's because there's 9 counties in Ulster but only six in Northern Ireland.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Because some of the players aren't Irish, but Northern Irish and citizens of the United Kingdom. First anthem is of RoI, second is the IRFU song that is pretty tepid.
Who were the players that didn't sing?

Best, Henry, Trimble, Henderson and Marshall didn't sing Amhrann na Bhfiann. (I don't think Marty Moore did either but that would be a case of not knowing the words)

McFadden, O'Mahoney, O'Donnell, Sexton and a few more didn't sing Ireland's call, nothing political in that I don't think because I do the same at matches, not because I have anything against not singing our own anthem and leave it there but more because I'm pretty pumped after Amhrann na Bhfiann and Ireland's call is a bit dull and can bring you right back down.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Because some of the players aren't Irish, but Northern Irish and citizens of the United Kingdom. First anthem is of RoI, second is the IRFU song that is pretty tepid.
Who were the players that didn't sing?

I noticed Murray didn't - he stood out as the camera proper paused on him as it went up the line.

 

[munstermuffin]

I think Cmac has explained it accurately. But some players then don't sing anything. But regards explanations some of Ulster lads like Trimble and Best hold United Kingdom passports. Basically their nationality is Northern Irish and they're technically British so their usual anthem is God Save The Queen.
Ireland Rugby is unique as we are effectively 2 countries (Northern Ireland & Republic). So we have our anthem from ROI and 1 for all of Ireland. But the ROI anthem is only played at games in Ireland.

 

[Groundhog]

I remember Flannery didn't sing Amhran na Bhfiann sometimes because he got too emotional and it took his mind off the game. May be the same for others. Nordies are well within their rights not to sing Amhran but it's embarrassing how many Irish kids don't know the words. I personally try and belt out Amhran Na Bhfiann, and stay usually silent for Ireland's Call. I love the sentiment behind it, but my god is it **** poor leprechaun nonsense that I feel embarrassed singing . Funniest thing I have seen was Richart Strauss belting out Amhran na Bhfiann as if he was born in Tubberquack Donegal. Top man!

 

[munstermuffin]

I remember Flannery didn't sing Amhran na Bhfiann sometimes because he got too emotional and it took his mind off the game. May be the same for others. Nordies are well within their rights not to sing Amhran but it's embarrassing how many Irish kids don't know the words. I personally try and belt out Amhran Na Bhfiann, and stay usually silent for Ireland's Call. I love the sentiment behind it, but my god is it **** poor leprechaun nonsense that I feel embarrassed singing . Funniest thing I have seen was Richart Strauss belting out Amhran na Bhfiann as if he was born in Tubberquack Donegal. Top man!

Well that's my point every player has their own pre game mindset and if some don't sing it then fair enough. And yes the Nordies are correct to not sing Amhran Na Bhfiann as that is the Republic of Ireland anthem. But the Irish rugby team is 32 counties and every fan will have different stances. My personal view is I hate Ireland's call simply because it's too cheesy and not a passionate song like rest of anthems in 6 Nations

 

[irelandfan123]

by the way, Irishmen on here:

I noticed quite a few Irish players would not sing the anthem, it seemed with determination or at least a noticeable demeanor like it meant something...something to do with divisions ? the anthem symbolizes something they refuse to submit to...what was that ? or am I reading into it too much..
just curious.

Cause its a silly anthem with lots of words nobody in the world understands without googling it
I tried singing it at the Ireland Scotland match in 2012 and everybody knew straight away I was protestant and needed to leave the stadim quickly to avoid an army of petrol bombs flying towards my head... I was later beat up in the toilets attempting to leave the republic and was stabbed several times (at that point the Queen came in with James Bond, Ian Paisley and a flamethrower, whisking me away in a tardis)... Never returned to Dublin in case they saw me again and tried to finish the job
True story

 

[Tony Manx]

....... and not a passionate song like rest of anthems in 6 Nations

................and the Scottish one is passionate....it is a dirge and I am half Scottish!

 

[Amiga500]

That's why Ireland's Call is there so there can be a rugby anthem both sides can despise.

Fixed that for ya :lol:


I'll (try) n sing both without breaking too many windows - but Ireland's call is awful.

 

[munstermuffin]

................and the Scottish one is passionate....it is a dirge and I am half Scottish!

When sang at Murrayfield it is super. Not as great away from there

 

[Big Ewis]

Alright that's what I thought, thanks guys. I just thought it looked particularly conspicuous the way some players it so clear they wouldn't sing it. I figured it was the Northern(UK) vs Republic of Ireland thing, but wanted to make sure...