Ireland's Call facts for kids

Flag of Ireland rugby union team.

Ireland's Call is a special song, or anthem, for the Ireland national rugby union team. An anthem is like a theme song that represents a country or a group. This song was chosen because the rugby team has players from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Before "Ireland's Call," the team used "Amhrán na bhFiann" (which means "The Soldier's Song"). This is the national anthem of the Republic of Ireland. However, Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. So, to make sure all players felt included, a new song was needed that represented everyone on the team. "Ireland's Call" was written to bring all players together, no matter where they came from on the island of Ireland.

The Story Behind the Song

Why a New Anthem Was Needed

The island of Ireland is divided into two main parts. One part is the Republic of Ireland, which is an independent country. The other part is Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.

When the Ireland rugby team plays, it includes players from both of these areas. Using only the anthem of the Republic of Ireland might not feel fair to players from Northern Ireland. To solve this, "Ireland's Call" was created. It is a song that celebrates the whole island of Ireland and brings all the players together as one team.

Who Wrote Ireland's Call?

The song "Ireland's Call" was written by a famous Irish musician named Phil Coulter. He wrote it in 1995. His goal was to create a song that would unite all the players and fans. It quickly became very popular.

What Are the Lyrics?

When the team plays, especially in big matches, the first part of the song is usually sung, followed by the chorus twice. The lyrics talk about coming together and standing strong for Ireland.

Part 1

Come the day and come the hour

Come the power and the glory

We have come to answer our country's call

From the four proud provinces of Ireland

Chorus

Ireland, Ireland

Together standing tall

Shoulder to shoulder

We'll answer Ireland's call

Part 2

From the mighty glens of Antrim

From the rugged hills of Galway

From the walls of Limerick and Dublin Bay

From the four proud provinces of Ireland

Part 3

Hearts of steel and heads unbowing

Vowing never to be broken

We will fight until we can fight no more

For the four proud provinces of Ireland

Part 4

Erin's warriors, clad in emerald

Steadfast souls confront their challenge

'Neath the glass sky they assemble

For the four proud provinces of Ireland

The Four Provinces of Ireland

The song mentions "the four proud provinces of Ireland." These are traditional regions that make up the island:

• Ulster: This province is mostly in Northern Ireland, but part of it is in the Republic of Ireland.
• Munster: This province is in the southwest of the Republic of Ireland.
• Leinster: This province is in the east of the Republic of Ireland and includes the capital city, Dublin.
• Connacht: This province is in the west of the Republic of Ireland.

These provinces are important because they show that the team represents the entire island, bringing together players from all its different parts.

See also

In Spanish: Ireland's Call para niños