177th Anniversary of Tricolour Celebration
Thomas Francis Meagher committee; Walter O'Leary, Ger O'Brien, Sarah Jane Cleary, Paul Clarke, Dr.Eugene Broderick, Ann Cusack, Dinesh Lalvani, Joe Geraghty, Mags Durand-O'Connor, Barry Kennedy, Eamonn McEneaney.
Over the weekend, Waterford celebrated a pivotal moment in Irish history at the 177th anniversary of the Tricolour Celebration.
Thomas Francis Meagher, a legendary son of Waterford, epitomises the strength and spirit of Irish liberation and his legacy spans two centuries and three continents.
The weekend saw the city awash in tricolours and mementos, starting on Friday evening with a walking tour from The Granville Hotel to The Mall.
On Saturday, RTÉ journalist Eileen Whelan chaired a series of talks on Meagher, with contributions from Donnchadh Ó'Ceallacháin of Waterford Museum of Treasures, lecturer Larry Donnelly, Dr Ray Griffin of SETU and former Minister Martin Cullen. Later that evening, The Granville hosted the titular gala dinner.
On Sunday morning, proceedings began with Parade of Veterans led by The De La Salle Scout Pipe Band, the Barrack Street Concert Band taking to The Mall for the parade.
Actor, Paul Sheehan took on the role of Meagher this year and gave the stirring speech on The Mall. He orated: "From Paris, the city of the tricolour and the barricade, this flag has been proudly borne. I present it t my native lands and I trust that the old country will not refuse it as a symbol of a new life from one of her youngest children.
"I need not explain its meaning. The quick and passionate intellect of the generation now springing into arms will catch it at a glance. The white in the centre signifies a lasting truce between the 'orange' and the 'green' and I trust that beneath it's folds the hands of the Irish Protestant and the Irish Catholic may be clasped in generous and heroic brotherhood.
"Should this flag be destined to fan the flames of war, let England behold once more, upon that white centre, the Red Hand that struck her down from the hills of Ulster—and I pray that Heaven may bless the vengeance it is sure to kindle."
Recently retired Director of Waterford Museum, Eamon McEneaney spoke on Meagher’s revolutionary impact on Ireland and the United States: "He felt that the future for Ireland was as an independent country."
Minister for State and Government Chief Whip Mary Butler officially laid the wreath at the ceremony.
Thomas Francis Meagher was born in The Granville on August 3, 1823. In March, 1848 he flew the Irish Tricolour from 33 The Mall, during a rebellion against British colonial rule. He was captured and sent to Van Diemen's Land, before miraculously making his way to America.
He formed Company K of the New York 69th Infantry regiment during the American Civil War, fighting to abolish slavery. After the war he was made acting governor of Montana.
