The anthem issue has been a bit of a bum note for the Irish hockey team out in Rio.
Making history as the first Irish hockey team to qualify for an Olympics since independence, the team have lost their opening two matches, to India and the Netherlands, but are putting up a fight against Germany on Tuesday afternoon.
However, for the second time in three matches, the issue of the anthem has risen before the tip-off. Ahead of the opener against India we had Amhrán na bhFiann belted over the PA to the confusion of an All-Ireland team used to “Ireland’s Call”.
Having finally got their heads around the Soldier’s Song the hockey team were presented with a proper test at the Deodoro venue in Rio, as a power failure meant the lads had to sing acapella.
For a mixture of men from the Republic and Northern Ireland they did not do too bad. Commitment to the cause, singing loud and singing proud.
The Irish hockey team are having no luck with the anthem at #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/eA7pAkUxHw
— Mikey Stafford (@me_stafford) August 9, 2016
Needless to say the viewing public were loving it.
Oh dear God. The Irish hockey team singing the national anthem 😂😂 #Olympics2016
— Kellie Kearney (@MyLittleBabog) August 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/EmerSmyth1/status/763034306658856960
the Irish hockey team having to sing the national anthem without music etc – disgraceful organization but fair play, they did brilliant!!
— Mark Grant (@bigglesgr) August 9, 2016
Irish hockey team singing their own national anthem. No backing or music. Thank god 3 of them knew the words
— Johnny O Connor (@Johnnyocw) August 9, 2016
Beautifully in tune 🇮🇪 🎶 #NationalAnthem #ireland #hockey #rio2016
— Bray Hockey Club (@BrayHC) August 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/youngwestman/status/763034392793124864
Lads this is hilarious…..what happened the tapes? Singing the national anthem acapella 😂😂😂 #Olympics #TeamIreland
— Darina (@HehirDarina) August 9, 2016
Best. Rendition. Ever. #nationalanthem #hockey #rio
— fiona looney (@fionalooney) August 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/seanomeara2/status/763034466222796804
Listen to the GAA Hour football show – Wooly is joined by Paul Galvin, Aidan O’Shea, Senan Connell and Conán Doherty. Subscribe here on iTunes.
