A centenary initiative to raise awareness and get families learning and singing ‘Amhrán na bhFiann’ launched last week at Croke Park.
The ‘Learn Our Anthem’ Awareness Initiative invites all primary schools in Ireland, from 3rd class to 6th class, to learn the anthem and send a video of their performance in time for St. Patrick’s Day.
2023 is the 100th anniversary of when the anthem was officially published in Irish. Liam Ó Rinn, a civil servant, translated it from the chorus of ‘The Soldier’s Song’ written by Peadar Kearney and Patrick Heeney in 1909-10.
Speaking at the recent launch, GAA President, Larry McCarthy, said: “Our anthem is a part of who we are. Amhrán na bhFiann is an integral part of a GAA match day and it is a special occasion when sung by a packed crowd at a game.
“Promoting an understanding of and appreciation and respect for our anthem is extremely important and is greatly appreciated.”
The initiative to get people to learn and sing the anthem is being run by Abair Linn Publishing, and is supported by the GAA and Schoolbooks.ie. Details of the competition (‘The Learn Our Anthem’) will be sent to all schools in Ireland via Schoolbooks.ie.
The winning school will receive a specially commissioned Abair Linn trophy and a guided tour of the GAA museum at Croke Park. Time to get rehearsing!
