Ireland women's Under-19 team struck up an a cappella version of Amhrán na bhFiann before a European Championship qualifier in Bulgaria today after organisers mistakenly played Britain's 'God Save the King' over the speakers.
The mix-up came ahead of their Group A5 opener against Sweden in Albena, and as the players stood facing the Irish flag, their heads were turned when the opening bars of Britain's anthem rang out around the ground instead.
Shouts of disapproval followed within the stadium before the music was abruptly cut off. Following 30 seconds of awkward silence, the Irish players, together with their coaches and fans, belted out Amhrán na bhFiann.
A monumental start to the European U19 qualifiers in Bulgaria.
— TOTAP Las Damas (@TOTAPLasDamas) November 26, 2025
From that Anthem to No Anthem to We will do it ourselves so. pic.twitter.com/6uFDr6rOjP
Ireland ultimately fell to a 3-1 defeat to Sweden, and will hope that the organisers will be better prepared when they step on the same pitch on Saturday to face Poland.
Ella Lundin scored for the Swedes after just four minutes and double her tally shortly after the hour mark.
Treaty United's Katie Lawlee reduced the deficit before a late goal from Agnes Ekberg secured the three points for Sweden.
Ireland: Enya Carthy; Sophia Leonard, Lillie Quinlivan Coulson, Finley Newell, Clodagh Daly (Charlotte Cromack 72), Ella Kelly; Aoibhe Brennan, Katie Lawlee; Madison McGuane (Hannah O'Brien 72), Anna Butler (Della Cowper Gray 71), Hannah Healy (Hazel Donegan 81).
