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Pomp and ceremony were the order of the day in Waterford last weekend when more than 1,000 people attended an event in the City to commemorate the first time that the Irish Tricolour was flown in Ireland. The inaugural 1848 Tricolour Celebration marked the moment in 1848 when Thomas Francis Meagher, a native of Waterford, first conceived and unveiled what would go on to become our National Flag. The original Tricolour was first flown by Meagher from the windows of 33 The Mall in Waterford in March, 1848.
The Mall was a remarkable sight to behold. For the first time in thirty years, a large gathering of Irish Navy personnel officiated over events at a Flag Raising Ceremony in the City. The Waterford Unit of the Irish Naval Service Reserve was supported by members of the Dublin Unit Irish Naval Service Reserve. Full dress uniform was worn by the guard of honour who presented official military honours to the Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Mary Roche.
Four members of the New York 69th Infantry Regiment of the US Army travelled to Ireland to participate in this historic ceremony. In full dress uniform and flanked by Irish service men and women, the members of the fighting 69th won the respect and admiration of the City. They were joined by two Irish Wolfhounds, mascots of the 69thRegiment since 1953. Thomas Meagher, who was the founder and a leading member of the Brigade during the US Civil War in the 1860’s was represented by actor Kieran Doyle during the ceremony. The City held it’s breath and not a word was uttered as the Irish Flag was raised. A short snap and flutter in the wind was enough to provoke tears and applause from the crowd in what was truly a day to be proud of our shared heritage. The American, French and Canadian Flags were also raised. How fitting a reminder of the reach and the influence of Irish people and history all over the world.
Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Mary Roche lead key speakers at the ceremony. In an impassioned speech she declared, “ We can but hope, as we stand here today that the Irish flag will continue to inspire our people; that it will continue to symbolize a continuous engagement with our emigrants and diaspora and that the errors and disasters of which Meagher spoke and which appear to echo our nations challenges once again today will inspire us all to strive to re-imagine ourselves, our beloved city and our nation and that we will rear again our own ‘Arch of Triumph’ over the wreck and wilderness of our more recent past”. Mayor Roche closed with the following words which will long be remembered by those present, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I commend to you a great Waterford son, Thomas Francis Meagher, who in his short 44 years of life was forever true to himself. Here on the Mall where is ghost may hover today I commend to you the green, white and orange and all that those colours symbolize for our people and our nation, flown for the first time in our ancient city in on March 7th in 1848 - the tricolour: the Irish flag”.
Prior to the ceremony the City welcomed visitors at various events over the weekend, inclusive of an official launch event at the new premesis of the House of Waterford Crystal. Another success story for the City, this fabulous visitor center, gallery and store takes pride of place on the Mall in Waterford City. Dignitaries, international guests and members of the public also attended a very interesting political debate and cabaret with Leviathan in the Waterford Theatre Royal. Presented by Myles Dungan of Radio One, the evening included contributions from Carol Hunt, Professor Diarmaid Ferriter, Dr. Suzanne O'Neill and a host of questions and comments from the audience about our nation, our politics, the symbolism of the Irish flag.
The 1848 Tricolour Celebration was organized by a voluntary committee headed by Mr. Cian Foley and Mr. James Doherty of Waterford. The event gained the support, time and sponsorship from quarters such as Waterford City Council, the House of Waterford Crystal, Waterford City Enterprise Board, WLRfm, Waterford Chamber and many local companies. This played an important part in making the event itself a possibility and details of all involved can be seen on the 1848 Tricolour website. Speaking about the event, James Doherty commented, “I am absolutely delighted with how the event unfolded over the weekend. I think it is a great example of what people working voluntarily for the good of the city can achieve. My personal highlight was the tremendous reaction from the crowd for the raising of the national flag and the singing of our national anthem”.
Cian Foley commented, "When the flag went up it sent tingles down my spine and to hear the applause of the crowd made all of our efforts worthwhile. There was no politics associated with the flag at that moment, only pride in the feeling of being Irish and being free. Thomas Francis Meagher gave us this gift before being exiled and I feel privileged to have helped honour his legacy in this way. I want to thank everyone that helped make this a reality".
The celebration was attended by Irish Dignitaries and international delegations from Waterford’s twin town, St. Herblain which was led by Mayor Charles Gautier.The Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency, Loyola Hearn was among guest speakers on the day. Cllr Jim Finnucan (Kerry) and Senator Mark Daly and Deputy Paudie Coffey , T.D. were amongst representatives from Leinster House. The French Embassy was represented by Monsieur Cairet. Secretary General for the Department of Justice, Sean Aylward and his wife Agnes Aylward from the Ireland Newfoundland Partnership were also present to support and participate in the celebration. The Waterford Naval Unit was commanded by Lieutenant Commander Eddie Mulligan. With presenters Timmy Ryan and Nichola Beresford acting as mcs for the event, there was a fantastic sense of activity and a very dignified civic event ensued.
With plans already under way for 2012, it is intended that this will become an annual event in Waterford.
For more information, please visit www.1848tricolour.com |
