How many of you actually know the words to the Irish National Anthem?

This was the question posed by Maria on The Saturday Cafe, when she was joined by author Rachel J. Cooper who has brought out a book, Our National Anthem, encouraging children to learn it.

Rachel tells Maria she was inspired by her own experience of only knowing the opening lines of Amhrán na bhFiann; noticing others at sporting events were the same.

She set herself the challenge of learning every word of the National Anthem, and having done that, she wrote a children's book about it.

The book provides both the English and Irish version of Amhrán na bhFiann (The Soldier's Song), as well as a phonetic version.

Rachel tells Maria that while she's not advocating the singing of the National Anthem every school day, it should be feasible to sing it in classrooms once a week.

Her book, Our National Anthem also has pictures, quizzes and Irish folklore, and is aimed at six to 10 year olds.

Have a listen to Rachel's chat with Maria through the link in this podcast.

And for all Saturday Cafe podcasts, click here.