Get the hankies out!
With trophies at stake, players in the final throws of their careers, and passionate fans, we have seen our fair share of epic anthems at Irish rugby games.
Whether it is Amhrán na bhFiann or Ireland’s Call, Lansdowne Road or Croke Park, emotions have run high.
Here are our top-five most most emotional Ireland rugby anthems ever.
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Ireland vs England 2009
While not a patch on the anthems when the sides met at the same venue two years earlier, it did stir up emotions as it was the last Ireland would play England at Croke Park.
What added to the occasion was the importance of the match, with a lot of history at stake for the home team.
Ireland had already beaten their bogey-team, France, in their opening game, before taking care of Italy.
A victory over England would make them favourites to go on and win a first Grand Slam title since 1948.
The game would end 14-13, with Brian O’Driscoll dragging Ireland over the line, with a try and a drop goal.
Ireland vs New Zealand 2019
The game marked a depressing end to Joe Schmidt’s tenure as Ireland head coach.
After five successful years at the helm, which had yielded three Six Nations titles and a first win over the All Blacks, the New Zealander’s tactics had been worked out, and they would be beaten 46-14.
At the times, the singing of Ireland’s Call at Tokyo Stadium may not have been overly emotional at the time, but looking back it, the footage comes with a certain sadness, as it was the final game in green for two of the country’s greatest servants in Rory Best and Rob Kearney.
Ireland vs France 2023
This was up there with Ireland’s best ever performances in the Six Nations, with the first half of the match going down as a classic.
It was also quite possibly the high-point of Irish rugby, as they ran out 32-19 winners at the Aviva Stadium, and went on to complete their most dominant Grand Slam.
Captain Johnny Sexton knew he was nearing the end of his career, and could not hide emotions in what would be one of his final games at Lansdowne Road.
Ireland vs France 2025
This was the final home game for three of Ireland’s greats; Cian Healy, Peter O’Mahony, and Conor Murray.
Each man finished their careers with well over a century of caps, while Healy has the most appearances of any Ireland player.
And it was the loosehead prop who was the most emotional, having to wipe away tears at the conclusion of Ámhran na bhFiann.
Ireland vs England 2007
Croke Park was in full voice 18 year ago, as team and supporters used the weight of history to produce one of the most magical renditions of Amhráin Na bhFiann we have heard.
The English were back in the home of the GAA, 87 years after their army had stormed its pitched and massacred 14 people.
It was a game that Ireland simply could not lose, and they put the enemy to sword, running out 43-13 winners.
The sight of a tearful John Hayes will live on forever.
