"O'Donnell Abú" () is a traditional Irish song. Its lyrics were written by a Fenian Michael Joseph McCann in 1843. It refers to the Gaelic lord Red Hugh O'Donnell who ruled Tyrconnell in the late sixteenth century, first with the approval of the Crown authorities in Dublin and later in rebellion against them during Tyrone's Rebellion. The title refers to the Gaelic war cry of "Abú," "To victory," which followed a commander's name.
Stylistically the song draws on the romantic nationalism of the mid-nineteenth century, similar to those of McCann's contemporary Thomas Davis.
The song portrays the rallying cry for the OâÂÂDonnell clan, called to assemble at a location on the banks of the River Erne. The Bonnaught and Gallowglass were Irish and Scots mercenaries employed by O'Donnell to guard the mountain passes. They are now summoned to join the rest of O'Donnell's forces, who await the arrival of Hugh OâÂÂNeill, Earl of Tyrone, and the Borderers who protect his lands.
In the 1930s, it was adopted as the anthem of the Irish fascist paramilitaries, the Blueshirts.
The song was chosen by 2RN (later Radio ÃÂireann) as the station ID signal in 1936, following a poll of listeners, and it continues to be used: it is played on RTÃÂ Radio 1 at 5.30 every morning.
In 1956, it was recorded by Irish folk group the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem.
It appears in the 1966 film, The Fighting Prince of Donegal.
The music with new lyrics was used by the Christian Brothers from Ireland as the school rally of St. Joseph's College in Hong Kong.
The music with lyrics of in Hong Kong from 1971 was modified from St. Joseph's College, Hong Kong. In 2000, the lyrics were translated into Chinese.