Leinster apologize for pro-IRA song played after Connacht win | Leinster

Leinster Rugby have issued an apology after a pro-IRA song was played at their stadium following Saturday’s 41-12 win over Connacht.

The apology came after Wolfe Tones’ Celtic Symphony was played. The song’s lyrics, with the line “Ooh ah up the ‘ra”, refer to support for the paramilitary Irish Republican Army which sought to end British rule in Northern Ireland.

“A song was played on the AP at the RDS Arena tonight that shouldn’t have been played,” Leinster said in a statement. “Leinster Rugby have taken steps to ensure this does not happen again and sincerely apologize for its use and any offense caused.”

Last month, UEFA fined the Irish Football Association €20,000 after videos emerged of their women’s team singing the same song after they beat Scotland in October to qualify for the Cup of the world.