Thomas Francis Meagher 177th Tricolour Celebration program launch
Cllrs Donal Barry & Joe O'Riordan, Rosemary Ryan, Mayor Jason Murphy, Ann Cusack, Cllr Damien Geoghegan, Clíona Purcell, Donnchadh O’Ceallachain, Dr Eugene Broderick, Eamon McEneaney
In less than a fortnight, Waterford will be celebrating its favourite son, Thomas Francis Meagher, at the 177th anniversary of the Tricolour Celebration.
Historians, scholars and councillors went to Bishop's Palace on Friday, February 21, for the official launch of the 177th Tricolour Celebration programme. Vice-chair Anne Cusack and Chairperson Eamon McEneaney warmly welcomed visitors to the upstairs of Bishop's Palace, a few feet away from the museum's own dedicated Thomas Francis Meagher room.
Eamon, recently retired after 25 years at the helm of Director of Waterford Museums, gave a stirring speech about the upcoming celebration and its historical significance. He said: "This year the committee have put a great programme together which is looking at the legacy of Thomas Francis Meagher."
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.
Eamon said: "Meagher was made acting governor of Montana and if you take tour of the battlefield sites in America, the great contribution of Meagher is well-recognised in America."
Recognising the heart and soul of the celebration, Eamon said: "I have to say that it is great that Ann Cusack has kept the torch of Thomas Francis Meagher alive all these years."
Proceedings kick off with a walking tour at 6pm on Friday, March 7, with the event starting from his birthplace in The Granville and on to Sabai restaurant, where he was arrested in 1848.
On Saturday, RTÉ journalist Eileen Whelan will chair a series of expert talks on Meagher, with contributions from Donnchadh Ó Ceallacháin of Waterford Museum of Treasure, Lecturer Larry Donnelly, Dr Ray Griffin of SETU and former Minister Martin Cullen. Later that evening, The Granville will be hosting a black-tie gala. Sunday sees the military parade, wreath laying and tricolour raising on Waterford Crystal Plaza.
Go to meagherstricolour.com for more information.
