October 20, 1933

“A Soldier’s Song” becomes the official National Anthem of Ireland on this day in 1933. Written by Peader Keaney and composed by Patrick Heeney in 1907, the song was first published in 1912 and quickly became very popular. It was used as a marching song by Irish Volunteers and the IRA during the Irish War of Independence. After the establishment of the Free State, “A Soldier’s Song” continued to be used by the army. The government purchased the copyright for the song on this day. The anthem was translated into the Irish language, “Amhran na bhFiann,” by Liam O Rinn.