Leinster apologise after Wolfe Tones’ ‘Celtic Symphony’ played over the speakers at RDS following URC win over Connacht

LEINSTER have apologised after the Wolfe Tones’ ‘Celtic Symphony’ was played at the RDS following their URC win over Connacht.

Leo Cullen’s men ran in seven tries as they romped to a 41-12 win over their provincial rivals on Sunday night.

Leinster have apologised after Celtic Symphony was played at the RDS

Following the game, ‘Celtic Symphony’ – which features the lyrics ‘ooh, aah, Up the RA’ – was piped into the ground through the PA system.

Last night, Leinster Rugby issued a statement apologising for the musical faux-pas, vowing that it wouldn’t happen again.

They said: “A song was played over the PA at the RDS Arena this evening that shouldn’t have been played.

“Leinster Rugby has taken measures to ensure it doesn’t happen again and apologises sincerely for its use and for any offence caused.”

This is not the first time that the song has been at the centre of sporting controversy.

Last October, the Ireland women’s national team were in the middle of a storm after a video emerged showing the players singing the song after they beat Scotland in their World Cup play-off.

Ireland manager Vera Pauw quickly apologised as did several of the players but UEFA launched an investigation into the incident.

Following the inquiry, UEFA fined the FAI €20,000 for the transgression, revealing the judgement on their website.

They said: “Following an investigation conducted by a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector regarding the potential inappropriate behaviour by players of the Republic of Ireland Women’s team in the aftermath of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers play-off second leg match played against Scotland on 11 October 2022, and the subsequent disciplinary proceedings opened against the Football Association of Ireland, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has taken the following decision:

“- To fine the Football Association of Ireland €20,000 for the violation of the basic rules of decent conduct.”

The FAI subsequently accepted the fine, with new Shamrock Rovers star Áine O’Gorman stating that it was time to move on.

O’Gorman said: “We owned up that we did wrong.

“We knew we did wrong, we accept that and that’s the consequence of it.

“We learned from the situation, we’re looking forward to putting it to bed, looking to the future and the World Cup.”