Ireland go into the November internationals with five players who qualify due to playing here for at least three years. This month, many of those players will face a challenge that has managed to flummox most of the country for almost a century – learning and reciting Amhrán na bhFiann.
Richardt Strauss did a sterling job of learning ‘The Soldier’s Song’ in 2012 so he may be the first port of call for the likes of Jared Payne and Rodney Ah You. Here are some other tips that should get them from A to B with a few fada’s in between.
1. Don’t let Gaillimh catch you coasting
2. Let your emotions run free, as free as The Bull
3. Flag-facing is optional
4. Stand near this…
5. If in doubt, holler your head off
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pbx-ldTozQQ
6. Whatever you do, avoid advice from Argentine tenor Marcelo Zelada
7. Have whatever these chaps ordered for breakfast
8. Like Christina Aguilera, don’t let the lyrics get in the way of a good yelp
