rts. Horse racing is a highly popular spectator sport throughout the republic.18 Most of these sports are played not only by the professionals, but also by all ages throughout the country.One of the national heroes would have to be that of, St. Patrick, Patron of Ireland. St. Patrick worked in a missionary in the 5th century. He played a crucial part of converting Ireland into the Christian faith.There are many important dates on the Irish calendar. Many of which happen to be festivals. St. Brighads Feast (Feb. 1), May Eve, Festival of Lughnasa (Aug), and Halloween. Being that most of Irelands people are of Christian faith, all of the Christian holidays such as Christmas, Easter, St. Johns Night, and the Feast of St. Martin, are celebrated.The Irish National Anthem-The Soldiers Song or Amhran na bhFiann, - was written in 1907 by Peader Kearney, who together with Patrick Henney also composed the music. It was first published in 1912, and was formally adopted in 1926. It consists of three stanzas and a chorus, the text of which goes as follows:Soldiers are we, whose lives are pledged to Ireland;Some have come from a land beyond the wave,Sworn to be free, no more our ancient sire landShall shelter the despot or the slave.Tonight we man the bearna baolIn Erins cause come woe or wealMid cannons roar and rifles peal,Well chant a Soldiers song.19...
