Representatives from the Our Lady’s Bower Student Council travelled to Waterford on Monday, March 6th to attend a special ceremony hosted by the Thomas Francis Meagher Foundation in celebration of the 175th anniversary of the first flying of the Irish flag. On the 7th of March 1848, Thomas Francis Meagher flew a Tricolour flag at the Wolf Tone Club in Waterford City, where it flew continuously for eight days and nights before being removed by the authorities.
5th Year students Mollie McDonnell and Dorothy Obikoya received the national flag from members of Defence Forces and this will be raised by the school community on Flag Day, March 16th.
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was in attendance during the ceremony and spoke about the act of raising the green,
white and orange in Waterford 175 years ago, how it symbolised peace between communities and expressed the hope of a shared future on a shared island together, a message that continues to inspire today. Other speakers included Chairman of the TFM Foundation Rev. Michael Cavanagh and Senator Mark Daly.
An exciting timetable of events has been planned by the OLB Student Council for Flag Day 2023 which will see all students celebrate their unique backgrounds and cultures and highlight the importance of having pride in, respect for and live the Irish tricolour message of peace and inclusion.