On Thursday 19th February last the annual Thomas Francis Meagher Tricolour Celebration festival was launched at the birthplace of Meagher, Granville Hotel, Waterford City by Chair Eamonn McEneaney and Vice Chair Ann Cusack. Also in attendance were Paul Clarke, Chair of Second Infantry Battalion Veterans Association (Military Advisor) and members of the committee.
Waterford holds a unique place in Irish history as the city where Thomas Francis Meagher first unfurled the Tricolour in 1848, articulating a vision of peace, mutual respect, and shared belonging that remains deeply relevant today. Each year, the weekend seeks not only to commemorate that moment, but to explore what the Tricolour’s message means in a contemporary and international context.
Speaking about the events planned for the weekend, Eamonn highlighted “the Friday evening walking tour of the city, the four terrific guest speakers delivering talks on Saturday morning at the Medieval Museum, our Gala Dinner with guest speakers on Saturday night and the military parade, wreath laying and raising of the flag on Sunday morning, full details are below.
FRIDAY, MARCH 6TH
Come celebrate with us for three days as we honour the 178th anniversary of the Irish Tricolour flag and its rich history. This year's theme is Peace and Inclusion.
THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER WALKING TOUR 6PM / GUEST LECTURE 7PM / DINNER AT SABAI 7:45PM
The Thomas Francis Meagher Fife and Drum Band opens the weekend opens the weekend at the Granville Hotel at 6pm. The walking tour departs at 6:15pm, visiting historic sites associated with Meagher's life in Waterford. At 7pm, Australian historian Derek Barry delivers a guestl ecture at the Museum of Treasures. Dinner follows at 7:45pm at the Sabai Restaurant, Meagher's former home where he was arrested in July 1848. Book directly with Sabai Restaurant on 087 294 9929
SATURDAY, MARCH 7TH
THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER PUBLIC LECTURES SERIES, WATERFORD MUSEUM - 10AM - 1PM
Our distinguished speakers will discuss various aspects of the legacy of Thomas Francis Meagher and its significance for modern Ireland.
SESSION 1
Chaired by Mr Seán McKeown, CEO, Waterford City and County Council
10:00AM - Welcome and Introductory Remarks
Welcome: Mr Eamonn McEneaney, Chair, Thomas Francis Meagher Tricolour Celebration
10.15AM – ‘Would that he had died in battle’: Thomas Francis Meagher in America’ Dr Maxine Keoghan, historian and author
10.45AM – “A benefactor to humanity?” Irish foreign policy and statecraft in the 20th century’
Dr Edward Burke, Assistant Professor in the History of War since 1945, University College Dublin
11.15AM – Tea/Coffee Break
SESSION 2
Chaired by Dr Suzanne Denieffe, Head (Waterford),
Faculty of Humanities, South East Technological University
11.45AM – ‘The indifferent Irish voter’
Dr Theresa Reidy, Professor, Department of Government and Politics, University College Cork
12.15PM – ‘Meagher’s Tricolour – past, present and future’
Dr Daniel Mulhall, Patron of the Thomas Francis Meagher Tricolour Celebration; former Irish Ambassador to the United States and Great Britain
Logon to meagherstricolour.com to learn more.
GALA DINNER, GRANVILLE HOTEL
DRINKS RECEPTION 6:30PM, DINNER 7:30PM
The Thomas Francis Meagher Celebration Gala Dinner. Meet distinguished guests from leaders in Government to champions of Waterford. Great food, words from the wise with a Tricolour flag ceremony led by a piper and music from harpist and flutist Aine McCarthy Kent. Tickets 75 euros. (Black Tie)
Book directly with the Granville Hotel on 051-305555.
SUNDAY, MARCH 8TH
MILITARY PARADE, WREATH LAYING & FLAG RAISING
CEREMONY - 11AM - 12:30PM
Join us for a special event at the Waterford Crystal Plaza that will feature:
- Thomas Francis Meagher Fife and Drum Band,
- Granville Hotel, 11am
- Parade of Veterans led by De La Salle Scout Pipe Band,
- 11:30am
- Barrack Street Concert Band on The Mall and during
- the Ceremony
- Wreath Laying Ceremony
- Thomas Francis Meagher Oration
- Tricolour Flag Raising Celebration
