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Abair Linn Publishing have launched an initiative to encourage more people to learn Amhrán na bhFiann. ‘Learn Our Anthem’, supported by the GAA and Schoolbooks.ie, launched in Croke Park on Monday 30 January.
As part of the initiative, all primary school children in Ireland from third to sixth class are invited to send a video of their class singing the anthem in time for St. Patrick’s Day. The winning school will receive an Abair Linn trophy and a guided tour of the Croke Park GAA museum.
This year marks the centenary of the official Irish publication of the anthem. Civil servant Liam Ó Rinn translated it from the chorus of The Soldier’s Song written by Peadar Kearney and Patrick Heeney in 1909-10.
Rachel J? Cooper of Abairlinn.ie and author of children’s book ‘Our National Anthem’ stated that if Amhrán na bhFiann “featured in the classroom and at home more frequently”, then more people would know the song in adulthood.
GAA President Larry McCarthy added, “Amhrán na bhFiann is an integral part of a GAA match day and it is a special occasion when sung by a packed crowd at a game.”
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