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IRELAND RUGBY COACH Andy Farrell has applauded a young boy who sang a rendition of Ireland’s Call before yesterday’s Six Nations match against Italy.
Eight-year-old Stevie Mulrooney first gained national attention on The Late Late Toy Show last year, where he sang the same song and was surprised by players Peter O’Mahony and Bundee Aki.
Yesterday, he stood on the pitch at the Aviva Stadium alongside Jennifer Dalton, who sang the Italian national anthem.
Absolutely brilliant! 👏
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 11, 2024
Stevie Mulrooney, the star of the Toy Show, sings Ireland's Call in front of a sold out Aviva Stadium.
Fantastic. 💚#IREvITA | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/y8ftVi7MzJ
Speaking at a press conference last night, Farrell expressed his shock at the young boy’s “amazing” confidence.
“I was just watching him the whole time,” he said.
“I didn’t know whether he was standing with his mother or not, but when I soon realised that the other lady wasn’t his mother and she was singing the national anthem for the Italians
“I wish our lads were confident like this.
“He was shoulders back and he was ready, waving to the crowd.”
He said Stevie “nailed it”.
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The kid did great in all fairness to him.
@David Corrigan: fairplay …
10/ 10- knocked it clean otta Park!!!
It was fantastic. Was warming to see him there. An experience he will never forget. Fair play to whom ever organised it for him.
Wow ! What a powerful voice. That was truly brilliant, well done young man.
The young man was superb, a stunning performance!
However, I was astonished to hear the band strike up the British patriotic anthem ‘I vow to thee, my country’ as our president Michael D Higgins was introduced to the Italian and Irish teams. Who on earth chose this piece of music and why??
Then I wondered if there was a British military band currently rehearsing O’Ríada’s ‘Mise Eire’ to be performed when a member of their Royal family is introduced to the teams at England’s next home game, against Ireland!
Yours, etc,
@Declan “psychodekko” Fitzpatrick: is it not a rugby anthem of some form? But yes not wise to play it for the Irish president if its a British army tune
@Declan “psychodekko” Fitzpatrick: is it not the world rugby song, the World in Union?
@Daire O’Reilly: it’s a British anthem/hymn commonly used in formal British occasions such as the funeral of Churchill, the wedding of Charles and Diana and the funeral of the latter. Music is by ghe English composer Gustav Holst (yes he’s Envlish) from his Planets Suits and lyrics, with repeated reference to Britain and Britania, by Sir Cecil Rice.
Hardly appropriate for the introduction of the President of our republic.
A load of aul bo××ix. Rugby songs and anthems me ar@e.
Games have become like fascist rallies with kids as mascots, anthems and loudspeakers blaring at you, not to mention (wo) men of the match and flares.
Are ya alright @Padraig O’Brien? Did someone steal your lunch money? Do you want me to make you a sandwich?
@Padraig O’Brien: How do you cope?
cool…
@Daithi O’Gruagain. I’m grand thanks Daithi
I just hate the fascism that seems to be creeping in to everything these days
Unlike the fascists I don’t mind if people disagree with me.
@Padraig O’Brien: What exactly is the fascist element going on in six nations rugby? Maybe I missed it so I am open to being more informed on the topic.
@Sal Paradise. It is not exclusively rugby Sal. Imo most team games and stadia concerts have become like this. Spectators are herded, loudspeakers are used to blare announcements and music at all times, children are (ab)used as minis to tug at heartstrings, every facet is stage managed.
@Padraig O’Brien: Go out and get some fresh air for yourself.
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