On the 7th of March 1848, Thomas Francis Meagher flew a Tricolour flag at the Wolf Tone Club 33 The Mall, Waterford City, where it flew continuously for eight days and nights before being removed by the authorities.
The Tricolour was presented as a gift in 1848 to Thomas Francis Meagher from a small group of French women sympathetic to the Irish cause was intended to symbolise the inclusion and hoped-for union between Roman Catholics (symbolised by the green colour) and Protestants (symbolised by the orange colour).
The Thomas Francis Meagher 178th Anniversary Tricolour Celebration is a historic event taking place in the city of Waterford, Ireland from March 6th to March 8th, 2026. This commemoration marks the life and legacy of Thomas Francis Meagher, an Irish American Patriot who played a pivotal role in Ireland’s struggle for independence.
6:00pm | Granville Hotel
Commence the commemorative weekend with a performance by the Thomas Francis Meagher Fife and Drum Band. Join us at the Granville Hotel as we gather for our opening events.
6:15pm | Departs Granville Hotel
Visit sites associated with the life and career of Thomas Francis Meagher in Waterford. The tour begins at his birthplace at the Granville Hotel and follows a curated historic route through the city streets. Journey through the sites that shaped the legacy of one of Ireland's most significant historical figures.
7:00pm | Museum of Treasures, Garden Room
Join renowned Australian historian and Thomas Francis Meagher expert Derek Barry at the Museum of Treasures Garden Room. Gain a deeper understanding of the enduring legacy and the profound global connections of Thomas Francis Meagher.
7:45pm | Sabai Restaurant, The Mall
Treat yourself to a memorable Friday evening with a specially curated two-course meal at Sabai Restaurant on The Mall. Dine within the historic walls of the former home of Thomas Francis Meagher. Savour vibrant flavours and bold dishes in this unique atmosphere for 34.50 Euro per person. This is the site where Meagher was arrested in July 1848. Spaces are limited: please book directly with Sabai Restaurant on 087 294 9929 mentioning the Thomas Francis Meagher Celebration.
10:00am Dr Eamonn McEneaney, Chair, Thomas Francis Meagher Tricolour Celebration Committee
Chaired by Seán McKeown, CEO, Waterford City and County Council
10:15am Dr Maxine Keoghan, historian and author
10:45am Dr Edward Burke, Assistant Professor in the History of War since 1945, University College Dublin
11:15am
Chaired by Dr Suzanne Denieffe, Head (Waterford), Faculty of Humanities, South East Technological University
11:45am Dr Theresa Reidy, Professor, Department of Government and Politics, University College Cork
12:15pm Dr Daniel Mulhall, Patron of the Thomas Francis Meagher Tricolour Celebration; former Irish Ambassador to the United States and Great Britain
Drinks Reception 6:30PM, Dinner 7:30PM
The weekend highlight is 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 flautist Aine McCarthy Kent. Tickets 75 euros. (Black Tie)
Book directly with the Granville Hotel on 051-305555.
11:00am | Granville Hotel
Start the final morning of the celebration with the sounds of the Thomas Francis Meagher Fife and Drum Band at the Granville Hotel.
11:30am | Departs Granville Hotel
The Barrack Street Concert Band provides pre-parade entertainment on The Mall. The De La Salle Scout Pipe Band then leads the procession through the streets of Waterford from the Granville Hotel to the Waterford Crystal Plaza. Join the community in honouring those who have served.
12:00pm | Waterford Crystal Plaza
Master of Ceremonies Dymphna Nugent leads this tribute to the legacy of Thomas Francis Meagher.
12:00pm | Waterford Crystal Plaza
12:15pm | Waterford Crystal Plaza
12:30pm | Waterford Crystal Plaza
Witness the weekend finale as we raise the national flag in the city where it was first displayed. The National Anthem and Salute performed by the Barrack Street Concert Band. This ceremony marks the 178th anniversary of the flag Thomas Francis Meagher gifted to Ireland as a symbol of peace and unity. Stand with us as the Tricolour is raised to honour our shared history.
I trust that the old country will not refuse this symbol of a new life from one of her youngest children. I need not explain its meaning. The quick and passionate intellect of the generation now springing into arms will catch it at a glance. The white in the centre signifies a lasting truce between the “orange” and the “green” and I trust that beneath its folds, the hands of the Irish Protestant and the Irish Catholic may be clasped in generous and heroic brotherhood
Thomas Francis Meagher
Chairperson: Eamonn McEneaney, Vice Chair: Ann Cusack, Secretary: Joe Geraghty, Treasurer: Barry Kennedy, Committee: Walter O'Leary, Fiona Cusack, John Wells, Gerard O'Brien, Sinead O’Neill, Eugene Broderick, Aoife Cheasty, Paul Clarke (Military Advisor), Dinesh Lalvani.