People cheering before the end of 'Amhrán na bhFiann' at yesterday’s All-Ireland hurling final were being “disrespectful” to the national anthem, Shane Coleman has said.

The Newstalk Breakfast presenter said the fan response to the anthem slightly spoiled what was otherwise a fantastic celebration of hurling.

While the crowd sang the anthem with the passion you might expect at any major Irish sports event, cheers began to ring out over the singing long before the final line.

Shane said it is not the first time it has happened.

“It is a bugbear of mine, the lack of respect for the end of our national anthem,” Shane said.  

“Yesterday, I’m sorry to say, was no different. 

“We hadn’t even got to the end of the second last line, faoi lámhach na bpiléar, before the crowds were cheering and the teams were jumping around the place and getting ready for the game. 

“The last line was completely lost.” 

Tony Kelly of Clare scores his side's third goal during the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Final match between Clare and Cork at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Shane admitted it was a “small thing” given there are much more serious things happening in the world at the moment – but still feels it is something worth raising.

“I just think it’s basic respect for the national anthem, that you wait till the end, that you sing it to the end. 

“I don’t think there’s any other country [that does it]. 

“When they’re singing 'God Save The King', do they break [before the last line?] They don’t."

Clare captain Tony Kelly lifts the Liam MacCarthy cup after his side's victory in the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Final match. Photo: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Fellow presenter, Ciara Kelly, said she understood Shane’s point but stressed the cheering does not come from a place of malice.

“I don’t think it is disrespectful, at least I don’t think it’s intended as a disrespect,” she said. 

“I think it is the crowd are barely holding themselves back. 

“I think it is a cheering on of the national anthem and I know how you feel about it and I get why… but I think it comes from a place of enthusiasm and patriotism.”

Shane said cheering over the anthem is disrespectful, whatever people’s intentions may be.

Main image: Split of Shane Coleman and the All Ireland crowd. Pictures by: Newstalk and Sportsfile.