Facts state IRFU stance is wrong
Whence do unionists derive such a right?
Article 4 of Bunreacht na hEireann clearly states that the name of the State is 'Ireland' (not the 'Republic of Ireland' as English soccer commentators appear to believe).
Therefore, when a team purports to use the name Ireland in the context of an international rugby fixture, it is both consistent and logical that the anthem and flag of the State from which the team derives its name should be used.
Anything else generates confusion and misrepresents the constitutional and legal reality of the Irish State.
The song 'Ireland's Call' is bland and hopelessly banal. Its lyrics are pedestrian and appear to have been written by someone from the Equality Authority rather than anyone with discernible musical talent (Yes, I know it was written by Phil Coulter).
One simply has to recall the raucous reception that greeted 'Amhran na bhFiann' in Croke Park this February to realise that the insipid squeals of 'Ireland's Call' come nowhere close.
Moreover, the national flag of Ireland is the tricolour (Article 7 Bunreacht na hEireann). It follows that a team holding itself out as Ireland should by any standard of common sense use the flag of Ireland in an international fixture.
The flag is an expression of both the green and orange traditions of our island and has been embraced by northern Protestants from John Mitchel to Wayne McCullough.
Northern members of our international compromise rules team appear to have no problem with these symbols of Ireland. It should of course be noted that anyone uncomfortable with Irish flags and anthems is welcome to follow the example of Ed Joyce (cricket), Brian Carney (rugby league) and Kyran Bracken (rugby union) and in a spirit of goodwill should be encouraged to play for an international team where they feel more at home.
The IRFU's obfuscation on this issue is shameful and is surely against the wishes of a clear majority of Irish people. I make no apologies to anyone for being Irish -- neither should the IRFU.
Padraic Mac Giolla Bhuidhe,
Navan,
Co Meath
