Ireland's Call

"Ireland's Call" is a song by Phil Coulter used as a national anthem by some sports competitors representing the island of Ireland, originally and most notably the men's rugby union team. It was commissioned by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) for the 1995 World Cup, because a substantial minority around 20% of the IRFU's members are from Northern Ireland and the use of the anthem of the Republic of Ireland ("Amhrán na bhFiann") was considered inappropriate.

While some all-island sports governing bodies use "Amhrán na bhFiann" in international competition (for example, the Golfing Union of Ireland and Irish Athletic Boxing Association) others do not, and many have followed the IRFU in adopting "Ireland's Call", including Hockey Ireland, the Irish Cricket Union, Rugby League Ireland, Irish Korfball Association, and A1 Grand Prix team. The song has attracted some opposition, both on musical grounds and from Irish nationalists who would prefer "Amhrán na bhFiann". Journalist Malachy Clerkin wrote on its 20th anniversary, "It has run the gamut with a sceptical and often hostile public, from deep loathing to grudging acceptance to growing pockets of reasonably throated support."

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