Wolfetones top BBC world's-favourite-song poll

'A Nation Once Again' has been voted the world's favourite song, after a global poll by the BBC.

The republican ballad performed by the Wolfe Tones, was among a minority of European songs in the list and only narrowly triumphed over Indian patriotic song "Vande Mataram", the BBC said in a statement.

Group leader Brian Warfield said: "It's marvellous news."

"We're absolutely delighted that this song, which has become such an anthem for the Irish people, has got such recognition all over the world.

"The song was written to give the Irish people back a bit of spirit and support the fight to overturn [British rule] so I am very happy to see it is still giving us spirit the world over."

The poll of BBC World Service listeners attracted 150,000 votes from 153 countries and revealed the diversity of the world's musical tastes.

Among the rest of the top ten was a Bollywood movie song, a love song from Nepal, a Tamil Tiger film song and a pop song from Hollywood singer/actress Cher.

"A Nation Once Again" was written by 19th century Anglo-Irish army surgeon Thomas Osbourne Davis to support the fight for an end to colonial rule. It includes the refrain "And Ireland, long a province, be a nation once again".