Imagine if Ashley contemplates retiring after this great achievement, decides to skate in next year's worlds, does poorly and feels extra fire to compete again because of it, and then comes back and wins the gold at the Olympics a la Shizuka Arakawa
Watched the Gala on Monday and, on the whole, I have to say I found it disappointing compared to some of the galas we had earlier in the season.
....
But, I wasn’t fussed on the routine he did do. And I will now explain why.
Whenever there are threads asking what music you would like to see somebody skate to, I always end up suggesting the same pieces, because I really like them. And one of those pieces I always suggest is Joseph Haydn's “Österreich”. But, I nearly always add that it might seem odd for somebody to skate to a piece that is currently used as a National Anthem (in this case, by Germany).
Well, not many of you will realise this, but that is what Javi did.
“Danny Boy” is used as the National Anthem of Northern Ireland. The music it is set to, the “Londonderry Air”, is local in origin. Admittedly, the poem itself was written by an Englishman. But that is just a minor detail.
It's not official (hey, even our flag isn't official any more!), but “Danny Boy” is what gets played whenever any of our athletes win something at the Commonwealth Games (e.g. here). Just like “O Flower Of Scotland” is used for Scottish athletes; “Jerusalem” is used for English athletes; and “Land Of My Fathers” is used for Welsh athletes.
Now, I have to admit, I don't particularly like the song. It's just too dreary and depressing! National Anthems are supposed to be rousing (e.g. this one)*, and “Danny Boy” is anything but that! Nevertheless, it did feel strange to see somebody skating to what is my National Anthem.
....
And I knew Cwm Rhonnda was the Welsh national anthem, and Scotland, but not Danny Boy. I've never seen anyone but half drunk Irish Americans sing that tune ...
CaroLiza fan, I did not know this, even though half my "ancestry" is northern Irish. The Henry's emigrated, what can I say?
And, as an Irish-American, I can't stand it!
Fascinating, thanks.....
)
