Ireland's Call and The Hunt for Red October

"C'mon Ireland!" That's Ireland's call. But Ireland's Call means something else as well.

Ireland is a great story at this World Cup. But first, you should remember that Ireland is 2 countries: The Protestant country of Northern Ireland which is part of the UK and under the rule of the crown and the Catholic Independent Republic of Ireland.

But in rugby, the 2 countries compete as one united Ireland. The team marches in with twpo flags: The Irish Republic flag and the flag of Northen Ireland. rather than have to play 2 anthems (God Save the Queen for the north, and Soldier’s Song for the Republic) the Irish team is the only team that does not play a national anthem. Instead they play a “TEAM ANTHEM” which is called IRELAND’S CALL. It talks about the 4 provinces of Ireland standing shoulder to shoulder to answer their country’s call. It’s always a moving experience to hear it sung by a stadium crowd. I have heard it sung 3 times now at this World Cup”

• against the USA
• against Australia
• and now against Russia

During the match, the the Irish fans sing the irish folksong of “Fields of Athenry” which is also something to witness. Ireland has upset Australia in their pool, and is likely to go undefeated in pool play, barring a surprise loss to Italy in their last match of this round.

The Russian national anthem is also very stirring. Think....The Hunt for Red October! Remember the sceneof that movie, near the beginning where the russian sub leaves port and the Russian sailors start singing, and Sean Connery states “Let them sing” to his first officer? Well that is the Russian national anthem. And once again, it is a very stirring song to hear sung in this atmosphere. There were a lot of Americans at this match, and many were cheering for the Russians. Surprise huh?

The match was the highlight of this day. The day was dreary, with lots of rain, but at kick-off, just before sundown the clouds broke, the sun shined, a little sun-shower made a tremendous rainbow over the stadium.The Irish fans took it as an omen, looking for their pot of gold. And sure enough, the Irish really did not need any of their famed luck, as they really dominated the Russians from the opening kick. This is the first time Russia has qualified for the World Cup, and in fact, rugby only began to be played in Russia in the 1990s. But like any sport, the Russians are putting a lot of money into training and coaching and will soon compete at a high level. The same is expected of the USA, and has been evident at this World Cup by the standard of their play.

I left the stadium headed to my last hotel of my trip. It is a Hilton property at Lake Taupo. When I walked in, well....it was awesome. It’s a luxury apartment Suite. Wish I had been here all 3 weeks. Its nicer than my apartment at home. Full kitchen, dishwasher, full fridge, stove, oven and microwave. Washer/Dryer. Incredible balcony with dining table outside with magnificent view of the lake and volcano. Huge dining table inside, 2 couches and TV, big bedroom and huge bathroom. Amazing.

Well tomorrow, Monday, I will drive back to Taranaki region to watch Wales vs Namibia. I am really looking forward to seeing the Welsh.


For now, enjoy some of the sights from Ireland vs Russia: