Re the anthem thing I must admit that last year I wrote the following lyrics to the Danny Boy tune but never had the guts to go public with them, until now! I would appreciate your honest opinions. Don't worry I can take criticism. As a native of Ulster but not Northern Ireland I'm well aware that the two are not the same but allow me some poetic licence in this context.

COME ULSTER

I long to walk a peaceful Ulster valley,
That Red Hand land where once lived Danny Boy,
But Omagh town and round by Ballymoney,
Are names of shame that once were pride and joy,

Too many tears and years of blood and blunder,
For flag of green and streets red, white and blue,
Too long we've seen our people torn asunder,
Tear down the walls instead and start anew,

Come Ulster north, south, east and west together,
Through Antrim, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone,
Through Armagh too, then view the Walls of Derry,
Together side by side and no more walk alone,

Leave ancient days and ancient ways forever,
Within the rage and page of history,
With heart and hand, come Ulster stand together,
Come Ulster build a new society

And let us walk a peaceful Ulster valley,
That Red Hand land where once lived Danny Boy,
Let Omagh town and round by Ballymoney,
Again resound in peace and pride and joy,

Come Ulster north, south, east and west together,
Through Antrim, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone,
Through Armagh too, then view the Walls of Derry,
Together side by side and no more walk alone.