1848 tricolour Celebrations

Pictured at the launch of the 1848 tricolour Celebrations which take place on the 9-11 March 2012 were Danielle Whelan, Ann Cusack, Granville Hotel, sponsor, actor Kieran Doyle who will represent Thomas Francis Meagher, Mayor or Waterford Cllr. Pat Hayes, Cian Foley, Kieran O'Sullivan, Jonathan Brazil and James Doherty.

23rd February 2012 marked the official launch for the 1848 Tricolour Celebration with members of the organising committee meeting with Mayor Pat Hayes at City Hall in Waterford. The 1848 Tricolour Celebration Committee are expecting to build last year's successful celebration by hosting various events for the public over the three days of the celebration culminating in the main event.

The Irish Naval Vessel "LE Aoife," which is twinned with Waterford City, will be docking in the city for the weekend for an official 'Captains Stand Down and Parade,' which takes place at 11am on the 10th of March. It will be accompanied by French Naval vessel "Tenace," a huge tug ship with over twenty crewmen on board. The "L.E. Aoife," will be open to the public on both Saturday and Sunday between 2pm and 4pm.

On Saturday at 3pm in the Granville, the birthplace of Meagher, a history hedge school run by History Ireland magazine will take place. This is a discussion session with some top historians and will allow for public interaction. The topic is as follows: "The Irish and their involvement in the American Civil War." Tickets for this event cost €8 and are available at the door. See more information on http://www.1848tricolour.com

On Sunday at 12.30pm is the main event of the weekend, consisting of pomp and ceremony, music, acting, singing and speeches we hope to convey the true meaning behind the Irish flag and that is a flag of truce, acceptance, working together. Last year the people of Waterford came out and supported the event in their droves, this year we hope to see people come from all over Ireland to experience the wonderful moment when the flag is raised. It was an absolutely spine tingling moment and is sure to leave a positive imprint on anyone that attends. This year the event will be supported by the trumpet and percussion section of the Barrack Street Band, The Thomas Francis Meagher Fife and Drum band and The Irish National Anthem will be sung by up and coming talented singer and song writer Keith Cullen who has supported artists such as Shayne Ward, Jedward, Keywest, Belle Amie, Lloyd Daniels and The Boulevard.