Ooh, ah, up the ’Ra: Ireland grapples with singing of pro-IRA chant

Republic of Ireland players celebrate after their victory over Scotland at Hampden Park on 11 October. Footage of the players singing the chorus of Celtic Symphonies in their changing room triggered a row. Photograph: Andrew Milligan/PA

A chant with five syllables, dating from the 1980s, has roared back to divide Ireland, anger British politicians and subvert history: ooh, ah, up the ’Ra.

The chorus of Celtic Symphonies, a song by the folk group the Wolfe Tones, celebrates the IRA with a catchy, upbeat rhythm. For years it has been belted out in pubs and sporting clubs across Ireland, but usually in semi-private, away from the limelight.