'Ireland’s Call' Draws Mixed Reactions, Yet Inspires Rugby Excellence!
"Ireland’s Call" serves as the national anthem for select sports teams representing the island of Ireland, particularly the men’s rugby union team, which initially commissioned the song. The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) sought this anthem for the 1995 World Cup due to the significant presence of Northern Irish members, who account for roughly 20% of the IRFU’s total membership. Consequently, the Republic of Ireland’s anthem, "Amhrán na bhFiann," was considered inappropriate for this context.
While "Amhrán na bhFiann" is used in international competitions by some all-island sports governing bodies, such as the Golfing Union of Ireland and the Irish Athletic Boxing Association, other organizations have followed the IRFU’s lead in adopting "Ireland’s Call." These include Hockey Ireland, the Irish Cricket Union, the rugby league team, the korfball team, and the A1 Grand Prix team.
However, "Ireland’s Call" has faced opposition on various fronts, including musical objections and criticism from Irish nationalists who prefer "Amhrán na bhFiann." Reflecting on its 20th anniversary, journalist Malachy Clerkin noted, "It has encountered a skeptical and often hostile public reaction, ranging from deep disapproval to reluctant acceptance, to gradually growing pockets of reasonable support."
Ireland’s Call – Song Words
Verse 1
Come the day and come the hour
Come the power and the glory
We have come to answer our country’s call
From the four proud provinces of Ireland
Chorus
Ireland, Ireland Together standing tall
Shoulder to shoulder
We’ll answer Ireland’s call
Verse 2
From the mighty glens of Antrim
From the rugged hills of Galway
From the walls of Limerick and Dublin Bay
From the four proud provinces of Ireland
Verse 3
Hearts of steel and heads unbowing
Vowing never to be broken
We will fight until we can fight no more
For the four proud provinces of Ireland
Verse 4
Erin’s warriors, clad in emerald
Steadfast souls confront their challenge
‘Neath the glass sky they assemble
For the four proud provinces of Ireland
