In the 6 Nations Rugby Championship why does Ireland have 2 anthems before kick-off?

Question

In the 6 Nations Rugby Championship why does Ireland have 2 anthems before kick-off?

Answer 1

for 'amhrain na bfhian' you might have noticed players from northern ireland tend not to sing

irelands call is to unite the country

Answer 2

Because, as a nation, we can agree on nothing without bloodshed.  It was easier to appease than resolve.

Answer 3

They represent both the North and South of the country..

Answer 4

The Irish rugby team is comprised of players from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.  It is one of the few all Ireland teams with the players from the whole island of Ireland.

The rugby team therefore has a different anthem played/sung at the start of a match to reflect that.

You will only hear two Irish anthems being played when the Irish President is in attendance.

It is protocol for any head of state to have their anthem played when necessary when they are attending official functions.

For example, The Queen of England will have 'God Save The Queen' played when she ever attends Twickenham or Wembley for instance, or if she is visiting abroad.  Likewise, the US President will hear the US anthem also when he is on official visits, etc, etc.

Usually, only one anthem is played for the Irish rugby team, the 'Ireland's Call' anthem, which is used for the all-Ireland rugby team anthem.  

Yesterday, President of Ireland, Mary McAleese was at the match in Croke Park so the Irish National anthem was played & sung as well as 'Ireland's Call' as a matter of correct protocol.

The song 'Ireland's Call' is kinda horrible tho - pity they don't have a better anthem.

Answer 5

the irfu unlike the fai is a cross border orginisation and abhran na bhfiann is just for the republic. irelands call is an unofficial anthem adopted by the irfu.

Answer 6

Because the Irish Rugby Football Union was not partioned in 1923 like everything else on that island. So the anthems represent the Republic of Ireland and also Northern Ireland.

Answer 7

As they only have one team, unlike footie which has two,  that represents both the south and north of Ireland and each has their own anthem, they now sing both as there has been a lot of arguments in the locker room regarding this!