A Sinn Féin councillor has called for Amhrán na bhFiann to be mandatory in schools in order to “build belonging” among children.
At a meeting of Waterford County Council, Cllr Donnchadh Mulcahy proposed a motion in support of the change and received the unanimous backing of his colleagues.
While the anthem is not currently mandatory, some schools do teach it to pupils.
On Newstalk Breakfast, Cllr Mulcahy said it should be considered a core part of the curriculum.
“I put in the motion to the Minister of Education to examine the introduction of the requirements that all pupils are taught the words, the meaning and the appropriate performance of Amhrán na bhFiann,” he said.
“When I speak about appropriate performance, we sing it before matches, commemorations and where it would be used.
“It represents our shared history, our sacrifice, our identity and our community.”
The pier in Belmullet, County Mayo flying the tricolour. Picture by: Michael David Murphy / Alamy.When asked how parents who view the singing of the anthem as jingoistic or sectarian might feel, Cllr Mulcahy said “everyone has their own take on it”.
However, he views the move as fundamentally about teaching children about the nation they live in.
“When I brought the motion to the floor, it was backed by all parties and none,” he said.
“So, I don't see it as a political thing - this is about education.
“It's understanding our national symbols as part of a civic education. The motion isn't about politics.”
Cllr Mulcahy added that the singing of the national anthem and other simple displays of patriotism were once routine in Irish schools.
“When my father went to school, he said that every morning they used to raise the tricolour and sing Amhrán na bhFiann,” he recalled.
“And a lot of questions are coming to me about different cultures and different backgrounds - understanding our anthem builds belonging as far as I can see.
“Education explains the context of inclusion as well.”
Main image: A group of children singing. Picture by: Alamy.com.
