Ireland's National Anthem

 

The national anthem of Ireland is "Amhrán na bhFiann"or in English "The Soldier's Song",.

It was written in English by Peadar Kearney and composed by Patrick Heeney between 1909 and 1910, later translated into Irish by Liam Ó Rinn and officially adopted in 1926. 

Peadar Kearney, a poet and nationalist, wrote the lyrics, while his childhood friend and neighbour Patrick Heeney composed the music, using a melodeon. 

The English version, "The Soldier's Song," was first published in Bulmer Hobson's Irish Freedom newspaper in 1912. 

The song gained popularity during the Easter Rising of 1916, when it was sung at the GPO by the rebels. 

Liam Ó Rinn translated the song into Irish in late 1916, and the Irish version, "Amhrán na bhFiann," was officially adopted as the national anthem by the Irish Free State in 1926. 

The anthem became a symbol of Irish nationalism and the struggle for independence, embodying the spirit of the 1916 Easter Rising. 

In 1934, Ireland acquired the copyright of the song for £1,200. 

While "Amhrán na bhFiann" is the official national anthem, in some contexts, particularly at rugby matches, "Ireland's Call" is also played, especially outside the Republic of Ireland. 

Kearney wrote much of the text in the Swiss Café at the corner of O'Connell Street and North Earl Street. 

Soldiers are we, whose lives are pledged to Ireland,

Some have come from a land beyond the wave.

Sworn to be free, no more our ancient sireland,

Shall shelter the despot or the slave.

Tonight we man the ‘bearna bhaoil’

In Erin's cause, come woe or weal,

'Mid cannons' roar and rifles peal,

We'll chant a soldier's song.

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