2023 Tricolour Celebration Program

Come celebrate with us for three exciting days as we honour the 175th anniversary of the Irish Tricolour flag and its rich history. Join Patron Dan Mulhall as we celebrate this momentous occasion.

Thomas Francis Meagher Walking Tour

6pm - Granville Hotel, Waterford

Visit sites associated with the life and career of Thomas Francis Meagher in Waterford starting with his birthplace at the Granville Hotel and concluding at the Sabai Restaurant at 7PM, his home where he was arrested in July 1848.

Guide: Donnchadh Ó Ceallacháin, Waterford Museum of Treasure

Thomas Francis Meagher Public Lectures Series

10am - 2pm - Garden Room, Medieval Museum, Waterford
Our esteemed speakers will discuss the significance of the Irish Flag and its impact on the history, present and future of Ireland in a series of talks. The impact of the Irish Flag on the people of Ireland will be explored.

10.00AM – Welcome
Mrs Ann Cusack, Chair, Thomas Francis Meagher Tricolour Celebration

10.05AM – Introductory address
HE Vincent Guérend, Ambassador of France to Ireland

The Ambassador will be introduced by Mr Daniel Mulhall, Patron of the Thomas Francis Meagher Tricolour Celebration, Freeman of Waterford, Former Irish Ambassador to the United States, Great Britain, Germany and Malaysia.

Session One - 10:30AM - 12PM

Chaired by Eamonn McEneaney, Director, Waterford Museum of Treasures

10.30AM – Title to be confirmed
Justice Mary Ellen Ring, Judge of the High Court

11.00AM – Lawrence Reynolds: Chartist reformer, Fenian and the heart of the Irish Brigade
Mr James Doherty, Historian

11.30AM – 11.55AM: Coffee break

Session Two - 12PM - 2PM

Chaired by Professor Veronica Campbell, President, South East Technological University

12.00PM – Going for gold: the honour of raising the flag
Jason Smyth, MBE, Paralympian

12.30PM – Good Friday Agreement: the influence of Irish America – past, present, future
Daniel Mulhall, Former Irish Ambassador to the United States, Great Britain, Germany and Malaysia, Parnell Fellow, University of Cambridge

1.00PM – What their flag means to the people of Ukraine
HE Larysa Gerasko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Ireland

Gala Dinner

7:30pm - Granville Hotel, Waterford
Our esteemed speakers will discuss the significance of the Irish Flag and its impact on the history, present and future of Ireland in a series of talks. The impact of the Irish Flag on the people of Ireland will be explored.

Military Parade, Wreath Laying & Flag Raising Ceremony

11.40am - Granville Hotel, Waterford

To be attended by An Taoiseach, Mr Leo Varadkar TD

Join us for a special event that will feature:

  • Display of Irish Military Vehicles
  • Parade of Veterans led by a Pipe Band
  • Wreath Laying Ceremony
  • Thomas Francis Meagher Oration
  • Tricolour Flag Raising Celebration

Two flags will be raised with the Irish Tricolour – those of the United States and France.

Below are the timings for the day:

  • 11.40 hrs Parade forms up at The Granville Hotel
  • 11.45 hrs Arrival of Guests at the Waterford Crystal building
  • 11.57 hrs Parade arrives at The Mall
  • 12.00 hrs Ceremony commences
  • 12.45 hrs Ceremony concludes

The Flag Raising is preceded by a parade of Irish Army Veterans.