Hundreds gather for tricolour event in Waterford

Hundreds gathered in Waterford City last weekend for the Thomas Francis Meagher Celebration.

The celebrations marked the 176th anniversary of Meagher raising the Tricolour at the Wolf Tone Club at Number 33, The Mall in Waterford city.

A number of events took place across the weekend, starting with a walking tour and peace vigil on Friday, followed by a number of public talks and a gala dinner at the Granville Hotel on Saturday.

On Sunday, the celebrations culminated on the Mall in a ceremony featuring a parade of defence forces veterans, the arrival of Thomas Francis Meagher (portrayed by actor Tadgh Williams), and the presentation of the national flags of America and France.

Following the piper’s lament and a rendition of the Last Post, the raising of the flags took place, as did a performance of the national anthem by Stevie Mulrooney of Late Late Toy Show fame.

Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr Joe Conway opened the proceedings, saying, “As mayor of this wonderful city and county, it is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the ceremonial raising of the Tricolour, this special ceremony that we honour every year.

“The flag flown by Thomas Francis Meagher is now our national flag, recognised all over the world, which flies proudly throughout the length and breadth of this land and it is our principal international symbol of the state.” Master of Ceremonies, WLR FM’s Dymphna Nugent, added, “176 years ago, the Tricolour was flown just down the road here at number 33 The Mall, as a symbol of unity, peace and above all, hope. Hope that the future would be a place of freedom, where Ireland’s children would know a land unshackled by adversity, oppression and fear.

“Today, that same flag is integral to our identity, sending a message right across the world and a powerful message at that; that Ireland is a land of freedom, steeped in history, culture and gratitude for the bravery of those gone before us, for it was they who made it all possible.” Stevie Mulrooney performing the national anthem. Photo: Frankie McEvoy Performing a moving rendition of the National anthem to conclude the ceremony was young singing sensation Stevie Mulrooney, who sprung to prominence following his appearance on the Late Late Toy Show in November.

He subsequently performed Ireland’s Call before a Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Italy at the Aviva Stadium.

Speaking to the Waterford News & Star following his powerful performance in Waterford, Stevie said: “It felt great! I’m used to singing to a lot of people now. It’s a very proud moment to perform your anthem for your country, especially for a lot of people.” He added, “Ordinary people can do extraordinary things if they believe in themselves, and if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you.” Stevie also provided some intriguing insight, pointing out that both Thomas Francis Meagher and Rob Kearney attended the same school, “but not at the same time,” he quipped.