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Our national anthem is Amhrán Na bhFiann or in english the Soldier's Song. Reproduced below is a brief history of how the song was written and how it was adopted as our nation's anthem.
The Soldier's Song was first published in sheet form in 1916 with the image of a rifle entwined with Celtic designed lettering: Words by Peadar Kearney, Music by Patrick Heeney, arranged by Cathal Mac Dubhghaill and published by Whelan & Son, 17 Upper Ormond Quay, Dublin .
Peadar Kearney was born on 22 December I883 and christened Peter Paul Kearney. After many jobs he ended up as a carpenter with the Abbey Theatre, where work was intermittent. When not employed he would cycle around Leinster on business for the Irish Republican Brotherhood, the secret military organisation which he had joined.
Patrick Heeney was horn on 19 October 188I, and started collaborating with Kearney in 1903 to write patriotic songs for volunteers in the Movement.
Peadar would write the words and Paddy would often adjust traditional airs on his melodeon to fit the lyrics. These songs were then introduced at ceihdhes and meetings and would be sung by the boys out drilling on the hills.
By 1907 Peadar wanted to write something more rousing and original and produced the words of the Soldier's Song. According to Seamus de Burca, Peadar's nephew, Paddy "worked on the melody for a week and gave up in despair when half way through the chorus, Paddy's inspiration had failed.
When Peadar called round to see him on a Sunday morning, Heeney was dejected. Peadar asked him anxiously how the music was coming along and for a reply Heeney threw the manuscript in the fire. Kearney snatched it out, smoothed it on the table. Yes, the tune was all right, hut the chorus was all wrong. They went over the words and scroll again.Peadar suggested they go back on the melody of the verse. So Heeney toned out the tune and Kearney lilted the words. And thus 'The Soldier's Song' was born."
The air gradually caught on and in 1912 Bulmer Hobson published it in his magazine 'Irish freedom' Meanwhile Paddy Heeney had died and was buried in an unmarked pauper's grave in Drumcondra churchyard.
After the formation of the Irish Volunteers it was adopted as their rallying song. It was sung during the Easter Rising of 1916 and in the internment camp in Frongoch in Wales. By then it had effectively become the national anthem. It was officially adopted by the Free State in July 1926, with only the refrain being used. In 1937, in answer to a request that the Irish of the Six North - Eastern Counties could register a protest against the British-planned Partition of Ulster, Kearney penned an extra verse that has never been recorded:
“ And here where Eire' s glories bide'
Clann London fain would flourish;
But Ulster wide what e'er betide
No pirate blood shall nourish;
While Cave Hill guards the fame of Tone
From Gullion's Slopes to Innishowen
We'll chant the Soldier's Song |
