News and Events - Thomas F Meagher Foundation

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News & Events

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Congressman Richard Neal visits the Irish Flag Exhibition at the GPO Museum May 2022

Unveiling the replica plaque at the GPO as installed within the Washington Monument

Congressman Richard Neal, Chair of the Congressional Friends of Ireland was the Guest of Honour at the permanent exhibition of the Irish Flag at the GPO Museum on Monday 23rd May, where he unveiled the replica plaque of the Irish Proclamation as installed inside the Washington Monument.

The Irish Plaque and the Washington Monument

The commemorative plaque from the people of Ireland is comprised of a replica of the 1916 Proclamation and refers to Thomas F. Meagher as the embodiment of the links between Ireland and the United States of America. The plaque acknowledges that he fought for the ideals of both Nations and created the national flag of Ireland which was raised again during the 1916 Rising and it’s message of peace and unity he intended for the Irish Flag to represent.

In September 2019 Congressman Richard Neal ensured that this plaque from the President of Ireland was placed within the Washington Monument. This was a unique honour, as it was the first plaque to be placed within the monument at that time since 1982.

The annual Awards & Scholarship Presentation Luncheon October 2022

The Foundation was thrilled to be back with our first AWARDS CEREMONY to take place since 2019.

On Monday 3^rd October student winners, their teachers and families gathered together with members of our Honorary Board and Flag Day Ambassadors Footballer Stephanie Roche and Irish Hurler Zak Moradi for a presentation lunch hosted by Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann Senator Mark Daly Co-Founder and Honorary Board Member of the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation.

20 Students from Cork, Kerry, Galway, Dublin, Kildare and Monaghan were presented with a commemorative award following their prize giving last May when they won their respective categories for their creative and talented submissions to the Awards & Scholarship. thie annual awards is a special element of the annual Flag Day Schools Programme which seeks to foster personal development and achievement amongst young people.

Flag Day 2023 & the 175th Anniversary of the first flying of the Irish Flag on 7 March 2023

Flag Day 2023 was launched at Leinster House at the annual awards ceremony on monday 3rd october with support from ambassadors Packie Bonner, Henry Shefflin, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, Sanita Puspure, Stephanie Roche and Zak MoraDI.

Second level schools are invited to register for NATIONAL FLAG DAY activities running up to 16 March 2023 and to enter the Thomas F. Meagher Awards and Scholarships Programme.

registration is open now until 1st november for this special commemorative year. email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get your secondary school on the registration list for 2023.

A national programme of activity to celebrate the 175^th anniversary of the first flying of the Irish Tricolour Flag by Thomas F. Meagher over 33 the Mall, Waterford on 7 March, 1848 was launched at Leinster House.

Highlights in the programme will include a flag presentation to Government leaders, with students and educators from over 700 secondary schools, in Waterford on the 6 March 2023. Followed by a commemorative flag raising event at 33 The Mall, Waterford on the 175^th Anniversary, Tuesday, 7 March 2023.

The aim of the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation, co founded in 2013 by Church of Ireland Reverend Michael Cavanagh and Senator Mark Daly Cathaoirleach of Seanad Eireann is to educate school children that the Irish Flag. The foundation’s work is supported by fantastic ambassadors including Packie Bonner, Henry Shefflin, Sanita Puspure, Colm Cooper, Niamh Briggs, Zak Moradi, Stephanie Roche, Mickey Ned O’Sullivan and former Chief of the Irish Defence Forces Mark Mellet, who is an honorary board member of the foundation.

As part of National Flag Day 2023, second level students throughout the country are invited to participate in a flag raising ceremony at their own schools on National Flag Day, 16 March. Flag Day resource packs, which include educational resources for teachers and students, as well as a complimentary Irish Flag, will be delivered to registered schools nationwide.

Schools participating in Flag Day can also enter the Foundation Awards and Scholarships Programme by submitting an entry, for example an essay, poem, song, TikTok, drawing etc. expanding on the theme that the Flag’s message of pride, respect and peace can be put into practice in modern day Ireland. The Foundation is also a proud Challenge Partner of Gaisce -The President’s Award.

NAPD Conference 2021

we were absolutely thrilled when Mr. Clive Byrne, former Director of the NAPD and also an Honorary Board Member of the TFM Foundation recorded this video which featured over the two days of the NADP conference. You can view the video and read more here.

Flag Day 2021 launched by Packie Bonner, Sanita Puspure, Henry Shefflin and Lord Mayor of Dublin

Irish Independent Supplement "The People's Flag" - Order Form

The irish independent supplement "the People's Flag" is coming soon on friday 12th March!

Place your order by march 10th to have this special edition delivered to your schooL for only €1 per copy - Click the link below to download a form now or order online at schools.independent.ie

National News Coverage - May 1st initiative to honour front line workers

Here you can see some of the national news coverage of the May 1st initiative to honour Ireland's front line workers.

Mayors of Dublin, Cork and Galway Encourage Everyone to Raise an Irish Flag to honour Front Line Workers on International Workers Day this Friday May 1st

Mayors of Dublin, Cork and Galway Encourage Everyone to Raise an Irish Flag to honour Front Line Workers on International Workers Day this Friday May 1st

The Mayors of Dublin, Cork and Galway, in conjunction with the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation, are calling on all citizens in Ireland to safely fly the Irish Flag on this Friday May 1st, International Workers Day, to honour all those who are working in the Front Line during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Thomas F Meagher Foundation is supported in this initiative by SIPTU, An Post, Foroige, the GAA, the Mental Health Commissioner John Farrelly and the Foundation’s Educational Partner the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Tom Brabazon said “I am delighted to support this very worthy initiative in recognition of all of our Frontline staff who are giving our citizens and our country such wonderful selfless service at this time of national crisis.”

The Lord Mayor of Cork John Sheehan encouraged people to fly the flag “The simple gesture of flying our national flag will be a small token of appreciation for those who have put their own lives at risk to help their fellow citizens.”

Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard added “Throughout this crisis we have seen many community and national initiatives, big and small which have ensured we will come through the pandemic and we Mayors along with the Thomas F Meagher Foundation want to play our small part in that”

The Mayors, the Thomas F Meagher Foundation and all its partners in this initiative have stressed that everyone taking part in this initiative must adhere fully to the Social Distancing Guideline and Travel Restrictions currently in place by the HSE and the Government of Ireland.

For enquiries to the Foundation please contact Reverend Michael Cavanagh (COI) 0871606312

Also Available for Comment

Lord Mayor of Dublin Tom Brabazon- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Lord Mayor of Cork Dr John Sheehan- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Note: The Thomas F Meagher Foundation was established in 2014 to promote pride in, and respect for, the Irish Flag and its meaning for peace, especially in schoolchildren. It holds an annual Flag Day each March with registered Second Level Schools, and has previously worked with the Department of an Taoiseach 2016 to host the State Flag Presentation Ceremony as part of the Decade of Commemorations and in updating the flag protocols.

ACCS Conference 2019

On Friday 29 November the Foundation had the privelege to attend the Association of Community and Comprehensive School's annual In-School Management conference in Cavan, to discuss the aims of both organizations and promote registration for Flag Day 2020.

NAPD Conference 2019

Thomas F. Meagher Foundation Honorary Board Member Henry Shefflin with Gaisce CEO Yvonne McKeena promoting Flag Day 2020

At this year's annual National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals Conference, we were delighted that Honorary Board member Henry Shefflin, one of Ireland's most successful sports stars and winner of 10 All Ireland Hurling Medals could join us at this event to tell the attendees what schools can expect after registration. The event was a resounding success, and we are very happy with the number of schools that registered at the event.

Commemorative Plaque in the Washington Monument

photo markrichie neal

On September 19th, a plaque from the President of Ireland commemorating the 1916 Proclamation was dedicated and placed in the Washington Monument. The plaque is identical to its twin in the GPO, and includes mention of Thomas F. Meagher as one of the key links between Ireland and America through his role as Brigadier General of the 'Fighting 69th' Regiment in the Union Army.

2019 GPO Witness History: Replica of the Plaque donated to the Washington Monument

2019 Kerry Group Awards & Scholarship Winners

The Thomas F. Meagher Foundation’s Awards and Scholarship Programme has been held annually since 2016. This education programme allows students from registered schools to enter the Kerry Group Awards and Scholarship Programme. This allows students the chance to win an Award or the overall top prize of a Scholarship.

If your school would like to enter please see our Flag Day Page

2020 Irish Independent Supplement

HERE YOU CAN SEE SOME OF THE PAGES FROM OUR 'THE PEOPLE'S FLAG' SUPPLEMENT FOR THE IRISH INDEPENDENT 2020.

2017 An Post Stamp honouring Thomas F. Meagher

Thomas F. Meagher given the honour of featuring on a formal stamp in what many consider to be the unofficial Irish honours list.

2018 Awards and Scholarship Lunch

The 2018 Thomas F. Meagher Awards & Scholarships winning schools were invited to the annual Kerrygroup Awards and Scholarship Lunch in Leinster House in May 2018. The Guest of Honour Ceann Comhairle Sean O'Fearghail praised the students and teachers involved for working with the Foundation for promoting not only pride in and respect for the Irish Flag and its true meaning for peace but also for being young leaders in the community and active citizens.

2018 GPO Witness History: Permanent Exhibit on the Irish Flag

The first ever permanent exhibit on the Irish Flag in the history of the State was opened in 2018 by the Foundation in conjunction with Shannon Heritage at The GPO Witness History Museum.

The exhibit outlines the history of the Irish Flag and the life of Thomas F. Meagher.

It also outlines the vision of the Foundation, an aim of inclusion and inclusiveness.

2018 Irish Independent Supplement

HERE YOU CAN SEE SOME OF THE PAGES FROM OUR 'THE PEOPLE'S FLAG' SUPPLEMENT FOR THE IRISH INDEPENDENT THAT WAS PUBLISHED ON MARCH 7th, 2018.

2017 Awards and Scholarship Lunch

The seven 2017 Thomas F. Meagher Awards & Scholarships winning schools were invited to the annual Kerrygroup Awards and Scholarship Lunch in Leinster House on May the 22nd. The Guest of Honour Ceann Comhairle Sean O'Fearghail praised the students and teachers involved for working with the Foundation for promoting not only pride in and respect for the Irish Flag and its true meaning for peace but also for being young leaders in the community and active citizens.

2017 Awards and Scholarship Lunch

Click below to read more about the 2017 Awards and Scholarship Lunch and see some of the great photos. The 7 winning schools were invited to the annual Kerrygroup Awards and Scholarship Lunch in Leinster House on May the 22nd. The Guest of HOnour Ceann COmhairle Sean O'Fearghail praised the students and teachers involved for working with the Foundation for promoting not only pride in and respect for the Irish Flag and its true meaning for peace but also for being young leaders in the community and active citizens.

2017 Irish Independent Supplement

HERE YOU CAN SEE SOME OF THE PAGES FROM OUR 'THE PEOPLE'S FLAG' SUPPLEMENT FOR THE IRISH INDEPENDENT THAT WAS PUBLISHED ON MARCH 16TH 2017.

2016 Scholarship Presentation Lunch 16th May

On the 16th of May 2016 the seven chosen schools who demonstrated active citizenship in their communities and raised money for charities were presented with third level scholarships.

The winning schools were:

St. Nathy's, Roscommon

Regina Mundi College, Cork

Glanmire Community College, Cork

Stratford College, Dublin

Colaiste Bríde, Dublin

Schull Community College, Cork.

Presentation Secondary School, Tipperary

2016 State Flag Presentation Ceremony

The Foundation was delighted to partner with the Government's Project 2016 Office to host the 2016 State Ceremonial Flag Presentation Ceremony on the 7th of March in Croke Park with President Michael D Higgins as Guest of honor and 5,000 schoolchildren and teacher from throughout the State in attendance to recieve a flag which had flown from 33 The Mall and a Proclamation Pack.

2016 Thomas F. Meagher Foundation to present tricolour to every secondary school in Ireland by Easter

From: Radio Kery

Radio Kerry news features the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation and features a recording of Reverend Michael Cavanagh, Chairman of the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation.

Click here to visit the Radio Kerry news page.

2016 The Irish Defence Forces at the State Flag Ceremony

The Defence Forces proudly assisted with the presentation of flags and proclamation packs to approximately 6000 secondary school representatives today in collaboration with the Ireland 2016 programme and the Thomas Francis Meagher Foundation. This is in addition to the 3200 primary schools nationwide that received packs under the Flags to Schools initiative since September.

2015 Renaming Ceremony of the Suir Bridge in Honour of Thomas F. Meagher

Renaming Ceremony of the Suir Bridge in Honour of Thomas F. Meagher Waterford, 12th March 2015

One of the last major infrastructural projects to be unveiled in Ireland in recent years was named after the patriot who first raised the green, white and orange tricolour in 1848 which became our national flag.

The bridge, which spans the river Suir outside Waterford and was opened in 2009, and was named the Thomas Francis Meagher Bridge, in honour of the man who played a key role in the 1848 rebellion before being transported abroad and ending up as a friend of President Lincoln and governor of Montana.

2016 January 1st - Flag raising ceremony in Dublin Castle

Reverend Michael Cavanagh (CoI), chair of the Thomas Francis Meagher Foundation which promotes Pride in and Respect for the Irish Flag and its meaning for Peace, welcomed the Flag raising ceremony in Dublin Castle.

The 2016 Programme of commemorative events began on Friday 1st January in Dublin Castle. A symbol of peace and reconciliation, the National Flag of Ireland, was raised at Dublin Castle with the President in attendance

2016 Irish Independent Supplement

Here you can see some of the pages from our 'The People's Flag' supplement for the Irish Independent that was published on March 14th 2016.

The 2015 Schools' Irish Flag Presentation

The Thomas F Meagher Foundation Awards & Scholarship Programme, officially launched by Michael D. Higgins

On March 12th, 2015, the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation held the first School’s Presentation event, which took place in Waterford at the Kingfisher Club, with a speech by our special Guest of Honour, President Michael D. Higgins.

2014 Flag Ceremony for all City and County Councils

Irish Flags which had flown from 33 The Mall, Waterford from where Thomas F. Meagher flew the first Tricolour were presented by the city’s Mayor in conjunction with the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation.

2015 President Higgins Guest of Honour Flag Presentation Ceremony

“May I, as President of Ireland, congratulate all those involved with the Thomas Francis Meagher Foundation for their important work in fostering a better understanding of the history and meaning of the Irish Tricolour amongst all of our secondary school students”.

Here you can view the entirety of President Higgins speech at the First School’s Presentation Event in County Waterford.

2015 Irish Independent Supplement

HERE YOU CAN SEE SOME OF THE PAGES FROM OUR 2015 'THE PEOPLE'S FLAG' SUPPLEMENT FOR THE IRISH INDEPENDENT.

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