When it comes to Ireland's Call, it's fair to say that the anthem used by the Ireland rugby team splits opinion. It serves an important purpose, but quite a few people in this country simply hate it.
Of course, Ireland is a unique situation when it comes to the makeup of our national team. It comprises both Ireland and Northern Ireland, meaning that Amhrann na bhFiann is not a natural fit for the anthem. A few different songs were used down through the years, including The Rose of Tralee, before Ireland's Call was adopted in the 90s.
While its use has split opinion ever since then, it seems that the public have been united on the matter in one sense this afternoon.
Viewers horrified by strange version of 'Ireland's Call'
The national anthems at this year's Rugby World Cup are already causing quite the stir, starting with last night's tournament opener between France and New Zealand.
With the French having one of the best anthems in the sport and playing in front of a packed home crowd, you might have expected a top class rendition of La Marseillaise ahead of their game against the All Blacks.
However, the rather strange use of a choir seemed to sap some of the emotion out of the occasion. It certainly didn't go down well at the time.
While it was unclear if this type of anthem would only be used in the opening game, it seems that it will be a fixture at the tournament. It was also used ahead of Ireland's game against Romania, leading to rather bizarre version of Ireland's Call.
𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃'𝐒 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 🟢
We're ready! Live on Virgin Media One!#IREvROM #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/wFlltujeet— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) September 9, 2023
An odd one.
That anthem divides rugby fans, but there was a general consensus that this version was absolutely dire.
Children’s choir Ireland’s Call sounds like it belongs on the trailer for a horror movie
— Squidge Rugby (@SquidgeRugby) September 9, 2023
That was worse than Celtic Mysticism Ireland's Call, and that's saying something. #IREvROM
— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) September 9, 2023
Ireland’s Call is somehow even worse when performed by a choral group.
— Will O'Callaghan (@willocallaghan) September 9, 2023
Could the French not afford to play the backing track for Ireland’s Call? Are there children singing every anthem??? Spare me. #IRE
— Niamh ☕️ (@NiamhoNiamh) September 9, 2023
RIP Ireland’s Call.
We’ve lost another one…— RugbyInsideLine (@RugbyInsideLine) September 9, 2023
My ears - Ireland’s Call even worse than normal
— Enda Mc Gearty (@EndaMcGearty) September 9, 2023
How have they made Ireland’s Call even worse?
— Aidan Leahy (@Aido_L) September 9, 2023
Lets hear a stadium full of Ireland fans belting the anthem out...nope we get the kids choir again at full volume #RWC2023 https://t.co/4eVRQYmqe3
— Mike (@BRFC1994) September 9, 2023
Was the Ireland anthem sang by Alvin and the chipmunks?#IREvROM
— Wayne Bradley (@WayneBr95437388) September 9, 2023
It's unclear if the use of choirs will be kept on for the entire tournament, although you get the sense that most rugby fans would like to see the back of them.
It certainly did not fit with the Ireland anthem.
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