The Irish National Anthem is called ‘Amhrán na bhFiann’ or

‘The Soldier’s Song’.

• Peadar was born in 1883 on LowerDorset Street in Dublin.

• He was a member of the Gaelic Leagueand the Irish Republican Brotherhoodand he also loved the Irish language.

• Peadar wrote the words of ‘The Soldier’sSong’ in English in 1907.

• The lyrics of the anthem imply that it is arebel song, encouraging people to standup for Irish Independence.

• During the 1916 Easter Rising, Peadarfought at Jacob’s Biscuit Factory underthe direction of Thomas Clarke.

Peadar Kearney

• Patrick Heeney was born in 1881 on LowerMecklenburgh Street, Dublin – now knownas Railway Street.

• Patrick often teamed up with PeadarKearney to work musically.

• In 1907, Patrick Heeney composed themusic to accompany Kearney’s lyrics of ‘TheSoldier’s Song’.

Patrick Heeney

1912 was the first year the anthem was published, in a newspaper called ‘IrishFreedom’.

It became widely known when it was sung by the rebels during the 1916 EasterRising at the GPO in Dublin.

What is it known for?

• Liam Ó Rinn was born in Ballybough, Dublin in 1886.

• He studied Irish at the Gaelic League and also played a part in the 1916 EasterRising.

• In 1923, Liam translated Peadar Kearney’s ‘The Soldier’s Song’ into the Irishlanguage.

• Although the song has three verses, the Irish version of the chorus was formallyadopted as the Irish National Anthem in 1926.

Liam Ó Rinn

• Cinemas and theatres around the country played the anthem before closing from 1932-1972.

• The Irish National Anthem is sung at all GAA matches and national functions.

• A segment of the tune is always played when the President of Ireland attends official engagements.

• On the next slide, you will see a popular version of the lyrics of the anthem.

Amhrán na bhFiannSinne Fianna Fáil,

atá faoi gheall ag Éirinn,

Buíon dár slua thar toinn do ráinig chugainn,

Faoi mhóid bheith saor,

Seantír ár sinsear feasta,

Ní fhágfar faoin tíorán ná faoin tráill.

Anocht a théam sa bhearna bhaoil,

Le gean ar Ghaeil, chun báis nó saoil,

Le gunna-scréach faoi lámhach na bpiléar,

Seo libh canaig’ amhrán na bhFiann.

Soldiers we are,

whose lives are pledged to Ireland,

Some have come

from a land beyond the wave,

Sworn to be free,

no more our ancient sireland,

Shall shelter the despot or the slave.

Tonight we man the gap of danger,

In Erin’s cause, come woe or weal,

‘Mid cannon’s roar and rifles’ peal,

We’ll chant a soldier's song

Amhrán na bhFiannThe Soldier’s Song (English version)

Do you know the lyrics of the Irish National Anthem?

Have you ever heard the Irish National Anthem being played?

Have you ever sang Amhrán na bhFiann at an event?

Do you know the names of any other country’s National Anthem?

Click on the image below to hear the Irish National Anthem: