Sir, - M.M. Ireland (September 6th) considers that "the GAA might instruct its members to learn the words of Amhrβn na Bhfhiann in Irish and English so as to be able to acquit themselves honourably at Croke Park." Stephen Flynn wants the words printed in match programmes.
The music of the Soldiers' Song has mellowed over the years. It is the words that are discordant, and the words are inseparable from the music.
Following years of debate, the National Anthem was approved by President Cosgrave's government in 1929, only when it be came clear that the Soldiers' Song had won popular support.
It was held that the people must be free to evoke love of country spontaneously in a hymn of their own choice - a view shared by Mr de Valera, who left the anthem out of the 1937 Constitution.
It follows that the initiative for change can come only from the people. At Croke Park an opportunity is afforded to make a new start - uniquely at Croke Park, if ever a cultural renaissance is to take off.
As a witness to history in the making, Paul Andrews SJ (August 31st) records that at Croke Park recently the signal for the National Anthem was greeted in near silence. We need "an anthem we can all sing", he says.
The Thomas Davis centenary in 1945 was marked by the Radio Eireann Symphony Orchestra with a concert in the old Capital Theatre. The programme included an arrangement by Vincent O'Brien of the traditional air M≤r Chluana, published by P.W. Joyce in 1906. To this air, Osborne Bergin set his poem, Amhrβn D≤chais.
The concert was attended by President S.T. O'Kelly, who was greeted with the opening bars of the Soldiers' Song. The secretary of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs, Leon ╙ Broin, proposed that Amhrβn D≤chais would be more appropriate. His initiative was rewarded by the adoption of the Joyce/Bergin hymn as a new salute to the Taoiseach.
The better to celebrate our national identity at great hostings in Croke Park, the GAA would make a significant contribution to the cause of peace and reconciliation in printing the words of Amhrβn D≤chais on its programmes, with an invitation to sing out: "Slβn go deo le bron is buairt. . .Farewell for ever to sorrow and care, Farewell at once to bitter laments, Let's sing a song of hope in the sweet tongue of our forefathers, And stand bravely before the world. . .Is seasfamuid go beomhar os comhar an tsaoil." - Yours, etc.,
Gregory Allen, Upper Kilmacud Road, Blackrock, Co Dublin.