Thomas Francis Meagher’s vital legacy celebrated in Waterford
Attendees of the Military Parade and Wreath laying ceremony on Sunday, March 8. Photo: Joe Evans
The legacy of one of Waterford’s most famous sons - Thomas Francis Meagher - was celebrated last weekend.
Born in the Granville Hotel, Meagher was the spearhead for the Young Irelanders in the rebellion of 1848.
He has been widely credited as being the first person to fly an Irish Tricolour at 33 The Mall on March 6, 1848, and linking the Irish Tricolour with a nationalist, pro-independence meaning.
The weekend began with the Thomas Francis Meagher Fife and Drum Band performing on Friday, March 6.
A walking tour departed the Granville Hotel at 6:15pm, visiting the famous historical sites associated with Meagher’s life.
Australian historian Derek Barry delivered a guest lecture at the Museum of Treasures soon after.
Saturday, March 7, saw a host of lectures from established historians, including Eamonn McEneaney, Dr Maxine Keoghan, Dr Edward Burke, Dr Suzanne Denieffe, Dr Theresa Reidy and Dr Daniel Mulhall, former Irish Ambassador to the United States.
The annual Gala Dinner was held in the Granville Hotel, attended by many of Waterford’s most famous and influential faces. The dinner was accompanied by music from harpist and flautist Áine McCarthy Kent.
The military parade, wreath-laying and flag-raising ceremony took place on Sunday.
The Thomas Francis Meagher Fife and Drum Band performed at 11am, before a parade of veterans was led down the quay at 11:30am.
The wreath was then laid before a Tricolour was raised and flew over Waterford.
This year, the wreath was laid by Waterford Fine Gael TD and Minister of State for Planning and Local Government, John Cummins.
“It was an honour to lay a wreath today at the Meagher's Tricolour celebration on the Mall in Waterford City,” Minister Cummins said on social media.
“The Irish flag does not belong to those who seek to divide us. And we will not allow our national symbol to be hijacked by those who would narrow its meaning,” Minister Cummins said in his speech at the Gala dinner.
“Our Tricolour stands for inclusion not exclusion, for respect not resentment and for a Republic that remains united and compassionate.”
