THE growing debate over the introduction of a new anthem for the Northern Ireland football team has taken an interesting twist with an innovative proposal by an avid supporter to replace God Save the Queen.

Wicklow-based Presbyterian minister, the Rev David Montgomery, who was born in Glengormley and who regularly attends international matches at Windsor Park, has introduced his own adapted version of the well-known anthem, The Londonderry Air.

AIR YOUR VIEWS ON THE NATIONAL ANTHEM ON THE BIG DEBATE

Mr Montgomery - a competent hymnwriter - is confident his latest piece can be a winner with fans, stakeholders and the Irish Football Association.

Calls for a new sporting anthem, specific to Northern Ireland, have gathered pace following widespread booing of God Save the Queen by Scottish supporters at last week's international friendly at Hampden Park.

Four years ago, Welsh supporters resoundingly drowned out the anthem prior to a World Cup qualifier in Cardiff. Both home nations have their own respective national songs.

A fierce debate has since been aired through the News Letter and on a fans' web forum concerning what should be played when Nigel Worthington's team line up prior to kick-off.

The Irish Football Association, this week indicated it is open to a debate on the choice of a match anthem.

Mr Montgomery - who has been following the exploits of his country since the infamous 1982 World Cup qualifying campaign - is confident his adapted anthem "depicts the uniqueness of Northern Ireland and at the same time expresses sentiments that will hopefully stir the emotions".The minister welcomed the renewed focus on the issue and claimed an anthem change is long overdue.

"The Irish rugby team have found a successful anthem in Ireland's Call, and Scotland and Wales have also adopted their own tunes, we are the only ones left without a song of our own," he said.

"It gives the impression that we are just a small part of England. The English fans don't even understand why we use it!"

He continued: "As we line up for international matches I'd like to be singing something about 'our wee country', not something which, like it or not, a section of Northern Ireland cannot identify with. Besides, I think the Londonderry Air is a much more rousing tune than God Save the Queen which can be a bit of a dirge."

The improvised version - entitled 'These Are The Days' - according to the Glengormley man, reflects a number of phrases associated with supporting Northern Ireland.

"The opening line probably subconsciously owes a bit to our own Van Morrison's Days like These, while the fourth line takes up the slogan adopted by the popular Northern Ireland fans' website www.ourweecountry.com, 'Pride, Passion, Belief'.

"The phrase "Sweet Northern Ireland" comes from the GAWA's adaptation of Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline."

Mr Montgomery believes Danny Boy will forever be associated with the Province and is a song people all over the world instantly recognise.

"I personally think it's a no-brainer for an anthem tune, but it definitely needed new words before it could be sung at a football match!" he added.

The minister - who only moved down south last year following 12 years service in three east Belfast churches - has an esteemed background in music and writing with a number of his hymns having been published in the Presbyterian Hymn Book and in Canada.


These Are The Days (Tune: Londonderry Air/Danny Boy: second half of tune repeated)

These are the days that summon us to glory,
The dawn of hope that conquers pain and grief;
As from the ashes of the past we're rising,
Inspired by pride, by passion and belief.
From Antrim's Glens, to Lakeside of Fermanagh,
From Derry's walls, to Strangford waters blue;
From streets of Belfast to the Giant's Causeway,
Sweet Northern Ireland we will boldly stand for you.

And we shall rise above the noise of battle,
One nation strong, one people proud and true;
Sweet Northern Ireland, home of all we cherish,
Here we shall live, and die, and pledge our hearts to you.

©David Montgomery 2008