The first ever permanent exhibition on the Irish Flag opens in the GPO Witness History!
On Friday 23rd February 2018, An Ceann Comhairle Seán O’Fearghaíl opened the first ever permanent exhibiton on the Irish Flag at an event at GPO Withness History. The event took place to mark the 170th anniversary of flying the Irish Tricolour for the first time.
Along with An Ceann Comhairle was Senator Mark Daly (co-founder of the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation) and representatives from schools that have signed up to take part in the continuous work the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation do to promote pride and respect for the Irish Flag. Speaking at the launch, An Ceann Comhairle said
I am delighted to launch this new exhibition, I feel it’s truly important we mark the 170th anniversary of the first flying of the flag and what the flag really means, as a symbol of our nation and peace
Thomas F. Meagher first flew the flag in 1848 at 33 The Mall in Waterford. This exhibition highlights the history of the flag and of Thomas F. Meagher along with information on the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation. As part of the exhibition is a monument with a quote from Meagher himself
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
Throughout the exhibition, visitors will have the chance to enjoy a selection of panels, an interactive screen, images and learn the opinions of Irish personalities. The General Post Office (GPO), where the visitor centre is located is also celebrating the bicentenary of its opening this year. For information on opening hours and tickets, go to www.gpowitnesshistory.ie.
