14 March 2026; Craig Casey of Ireland, centre, and teammates during the national anthem before the Guinness 6 Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

National Anthem must be taught in school - Blake

Ann Casey

Published: Thu 30 Apr 2026, 9:12 AM

All primary school children should be taught the words and meaning of our National Anthem as part of the school curriculum, according to a Meath councillor.

Cllr Fionnan Blake proposed Meath County Council write to the Minister of Education calling on the Department of Education to look at the introduction of a mandatory requirement that all primary school pupils are taught the words and meaning of Amhran Na bhFiann as part of the school curriculum.

"I feel it’s something that has been quietly slipping away from our society over the last number of years," he said.

"Growing up, it was played late at night when the TV channels were closing down and before all sport matches. It was taught in all schools, something that has ceased in many areas.

"With so many different nationalities and cultures, living in Ireland now I think it’s important for everyone to learn our history and our struggle and this is translated in Amhran Na bhFiann.

"Written in 1907, it’s a powerful anthem of strength and defiance, it defines our country and the words and meaning need to be taught and understood by children at a young age and it needs to be enhanced in Irish Society."