Snow Patrol 'honoured' over anthem call
AN Ulster rock band has revealed they feel "honoured" over a call for them to write a new anthem for the Northern Ireland football team - but ruled out penning an alternative song in the short term.
Snow Patrol – fronted by Bangor's Gary Lightbody – finally broke their silence on the matter after an appeal was made for the quintet to write a unique sporting song.
The suggestion was made through the letters page of this newspaper in June by Northern Ireland fan Kenny Donaldson.
Earlier this year, Mr Donaldson, also a member of the Ulster Unionist Party, argued that replacing the traditional "God Save The Queen" prior to international matches would remove the argument of "loaded nationalists" that the playing of the national anthem "is unacceptable at Northern Ireland matches and has the consequence of alienating people".
His remarks instigated an intense debate and were fuelled further by comments made by Irish Football Association president Raymond Kennedy, who revealed that the idea of replacing the national anthem was under consideration, prompting an outcry from senior unionists.
Mr Donaldson said: "My reason for advocating Snow Patrol to be approached is because: they are proud Ulstermen, they represent all that is positive about Northern Ireland and their youth, energy and positivity is where this region should be pointing as we move forward.
"No doubt there will be folk who will think this suggestion is bonkers, but I firmly believe that Snow Patrol have the street cred and lyrical expertise to pen something which Northern Ireland can fully get behind."
Snow Patrol have achieved mainstream success with a succession of hits and are internationally acclaimed, having sold over seven million albums.
When contacted by the News Letter, a spokesperson for the band declined to rule out a positive reaction to the anthem issue.
"Snow Patrol are honoured to be asked, but they have a new Snow Patrol album to write," she said.
One of Ulster's most distinguished songwriters has already declared he would be willing, if asked, to pen a new anthem for the Northern Ireland football team.
Phil Coulter – who was commissioned by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) to write a politically neutral anthem for the Ireland rugby team, "Ireland's Call" – revealed he would "keep his ear out" for a phone call regarding a similar initiative in Northern Ireland.
Despite political reservations, an online poll on the matter revealed a clear majority of Northern Ireland supporters are in favour of a specific sporting anthem being introduced.
Northern Ireland is the only region in the UK to share the playing of God Save the Queen with England prior to international football matches. Both Wales and Scotland use long established national songs, Land of My Fathers and Flower of Scotland respectively.
God Save the Queen was played prior to Northern Ireland's 1-0 victory over Slovenia in their opening Euro 2012 qualifier on Friday evening.
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 14 February 2012
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