Northern Ireland
"A Londonderry Air"

Words by: Katherine Tynan Hinkson
Music by: traditional
In use to: 1972

Before the abolition of the Northern Irish Parliament in 1972, "A Londonderry Air" was used as the unofficial local anthem of this part of the island of Ireland that is part of the United Kingdom. It is still used when Northern Ireland competes against other nations of the United Kingdom in venues such as the Commonwealth Games. For other events, particularly when Northern Ireland players compete on the same team as players from the Republic of Ireland, the song "Ireland's Call" is used.

The melody of "A Londonderry Air" is considered traditional. It was first published by Jane Ross of County Londonderry (known as County Derry by Catholics) in what is now Northern Ireland, which may explain the name. Various words have been given to it, probably most famously the song "Danny Boy." The tune was first called "Londonderry Air" in 1894 when Katherine Tynan Hinkson set the words of her "Irish Love Song" poem to the tune.

Special thanks to: Reinhard Popp for informing me of this anthem and providing me with the music file.

See also: United Kingdom, Ireland.