Cork cllr calls for the teaching and singing of Amhran na bhFiann to be made compulsory in schools

A motion seeks to make Amhrán na bhFiann a compulsory weekly element of the school curriculum in both primary and secondary schools nationwide. The request asks the local authority to write to the Minister for Education Hilda Naughton to support teaching and singing the song. Amhrán na bhFiann was written in 1910 by lyricist Peader Kearney and musician Patrick Heeney. It became an unofficial anthem during the war against Britain, with an Irish-language version created by Liam Ó Rinn. The song gained major traction as a marching song during the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence. It was officially adopted as Ireland’s national anthem on July 12, 1926, and is described as fostering unity and national pride.

"Amhrán na bhFiann should become a compulsory element of the weekly school curriculum in both primary and secondary schools nationwide. The call was made by Aontú councillor Peter O'Donoghue who tabled a motion at Monday's Full Council meeting (May 25) requesting the local authority to write to the Minister for Education Hilda Naughton and seeking the teaching and singing of Amhrán na bhFiann as a compulsory element of the weekly school curriculum."

"Amhrán na bhFiann (The Soldiers' Song) was written in 1910 by lyricist Peader Kearney and musician Patrick Heeney. A Soldiers' Song became an unofficial anthem for the war against Britain, telling the tale of Ireland's fight against a foreign enemy. The Irish-language version was subsequently created by Liam Ó Rinn."

"Cllr O'Donoghue outlined the significant history of Amhrán na bhFiann and its importance to Irish history and culture. "2026 is the 100-year anniversary of the official adaptation of Amhrán na bhFiann as the national anthem of Ireland. The song gained major traction as a marching song during the 1916 Rising and War of Independence.""

"Cllr O'Donoghue said Amhrán na bhFiann was officially adopted as Ireland's national anthem on July 12 1926. "A national anthem is a patriotic musical composition symbolising a country's history, culture, and values. It fosters unity, instils national pride, and serves as an official sonic representation of a state.""

Read at Irish Independent