Ooh, ah, up the ’Ra: Ireland grapples with singing of pro-IRA chant

Country debates whether chant is legitimate expression of national pride or an affront to victims of the Troubles

A chant with five syllables, dating from the 1980s, has roared back to divide Ireland, anger British politicians and subvert history: ooh, ah, up the 'Ra.

The chorus of Celtic Symphonies, a song by the folk group the Wolfe Tones, celebrates the IRA with a catchy, upbeat rhythm. For years it has been belted out in pubs and sporting clubs across Ireland, but usually in semi-private, away from the limelight.