The Wolfe Tones have made a public response after Leinster Rugby apologised for playing Celtic Symphony at the RDS.
Leinster Rugby made a public statement shortly after their game with Connacht after the controversial song played over speakers at the RDS.
The song which has the ‘Ooh Ah, Up the ‘Ra’ chant was recently in the news when sung in the dressing room by the Ireland womens soccer team. The FAI and Ireland boss Vera Pauw subsequently issued apologies.
Nonetheless, the FAI were fined €20,000 by Uefa for “the violation of the basic rules of decent conduct”.
Celtic Symphony was the second song played over the RDS PA following the end of the Leinster-Connacht match and had begun to fade out as the controversial ‘Ooh, ah…’ segment kicked in.“
"A song was played over the PA at the RDS Arena this evening that shouldn’t have been played,” read a Leinster statement issued after the game.“
"Leinster Rugby has taken measures to ensure it doesn’t happen again and apologises sincerely for its use and for any offence caused.”
And the Wolfe Tones have publicly responded.
They said on social media: "Why the need to apologise … maybe those complaining should actually listen to the song in context … the usual suspects make yet another attempt to alienate Irish songs …"
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