A women’s Under-19 European qualifier in Bulgaria descended into an unexpected diplomatic embarrassment after God Save the King was played in place of the Republic of Ireland’s national anthem – prompting audible protests and an improvised rescue by the Irish squad.
Dave Connell’s side had lined up before their opening match against Sweden, turning dutifully towards the tricolour positioned beside the dugouts. But instead of Amhrán na bhFiann, the stadium tannoy launched into the opening bars of the British national anthem, long associated with the monarchy and used by England and Northern Ireland teams.
Shouts of protest erupted almost immediately. The anthem was cut off abruptly, with the music fading into a confused silence as officials attempted to work out what had gone wrong. For several moments, players stood motionless, exchanging bewildered looks as the mistake sank in.
With no correction forthcoming and the stadium still without Ireland’s anthem queued up, the visitors acted on their own initiative. The Irish players, joined by their coaches and supporters, began singing Amhrán na bhFiann a cappella, reclaiming the moment from what might otherwise have been a significant diplomatic slight. Their unaccompanied rendition filled the ground, met with applause from around the touchline.
Only after the anthem drama subsided did attention return to football. Ireland briefly channelled their early composure into a lead through Katie Lawlee, before Sweden responded with two goals from Ella Lundin and another from Agnes Ekberg to secure a 3–1 victory.
