The very first performance of Irish Sign Language version of National Anthem at a GAA sporting event this weekend will help bring deaf community in from the side-lines. The New Sign Language version of the National anthem will be performed before All Ireland Hurling Final.

Fianna Fáil Senator, Mark Daly has said that the first performance of the Irish Sign Language version of Amhrán na bhFiann at this weekend’s All Ireland Hurling Final is a milestone for the 50,000 members of the Irish Deaf community.

“This is a major step in the right direction for the Irish deaf community,” said Daly who helped drive the Irish Sign Language Recognition for the Deaf Community Act through the Oireachtas.

Senator Daly also compiled the report for the Seanad Public Consultation on the National Anthem which resulted in the first ever official version of the National Anthem for the deaf community.

“Our National Anthem should be inclusive, not inclusive, and having an ISL version that can be used at public occasions ensures the equal treatment of our fellow citizens who are deaf or hearing impaired," he continued.

“For far too long, our deaf community were pushed to the side-lines of major public occasions, and I think, this weekend’s performance of an ISL version of Amhrán na bhFiann begins to right this wrong."

He added: “I really do hope that other sporting and public bodies make use of this newly available Irish Sign Language version of Amhrán na bhFiann. Ireland is an inclusive, welcoming and positive country and this weekend’s All Ireland Final will bring that home even more to our deaf citizens,” concluded Daly.