The People’s Flag: Nurturing Irish identity through
peace and inclusion

Established in 2013, the foundation encourages young people to work together under the tricolour to proclaim and live its message of peace and unity, irrespective of ethnicity, creed or gender. An ongoing focus is on the country’s new communities, with an emphasis on supporting their inclusion in Irish society.

The foundation is named after the Irish patriot, US army general and governor of Montana, who flew the first tricolour flag on March 7th, 1848, from 33 The Mall in Waterford. Meagher made a significant contribution to both Irish nationalism and the assimilation of the Irish into American society.

Clive Byrne, chair of the Foundation, underscores the important task of instilling in young minds the deeper meanings of the flag’s symbolism. And he emphasises the pivotal role played by the country’s youth in translating the ideals of peace and inclusivity into palpable actions.

“It is important that all the young people of Ireland are made aware of the flag’s message and are fully included in the process of making it a reality by making a significant and meaningful contribution as active citizens,” Byrne states.

A jewel in the Foundation’s crown is its Awards & Scholarship Programme, woven into the fabric of the annual Flag Day School’s Programme since 2016. This initiative invites students from registered secondary schools to participate, offering them the chance to win an award or the overall prize of a scholarship worth €1,000.

The programme is now open for 2024 and it’s expected that there will be a huge response again this year. Details of the Programme can be found on the Foundation’s website.

The overwhelming response to this program year after year underscores its significance in fostering a deep understanding of the flag’s symbolism among Ireland’s youth. Last year’s response was particularly gratifying, with an impressive surge in both the quantity and quality of entries, the Foundation says.

Reverend Michael Cavanagh, former chair and an Honorary Board Member, is delighted by the enthusiasm exhibited by students and educators alike in embracing the flag’s message of peace and inclusion.

“The number of entries we received far exceeded that of past years and we are very proud of all students for the passion they have shown this year, way beyond our expectations and thanks also to the educators for encouraging the students to participate in the annual awards”.

As anticipation also brews for the upcoming 2024 Flag Day celebration on March 16th, the Foundation eagerly anticipates the active engagement of registered secondary schools across Ireland.

Clive Byrne reiterates the pivotal role schools play in nurturing active citizenship and unravelling the multifaceted meanings enshrined within the Irish flag. “We urge schools every year to partake in Flag Day festivities, a celebration of our rich heritage and a testament to our commitment to peace, diversity, and inclusion,” Byrne says.

Preparations are underway to ensure an enriching experience for participants, with Flag Packs containing handmade Irish Flags dispatched well in advance. Moreover, with Gaisce - The President’s Award Challenge, as partner, students have the added incentive of leveraging Flag Week activities towards their Bronze Award, further amplifying the impact of the Foundation’s initiatives.

Reflecting on the Foundation’s decade-long odyssey, Reverend Michael Cavanagh underscores the enduring relevance of Thomas Meagher’s principles of peace and diversity. The legacy of Meagher finds resonance in individuals such as Leitrim hurler Zak Moradi, whose journey from Iraq to Ireland intersects with the Foundation’s mission of inclusivity and education.

Moradi’s involvement as an honorary board member exemplifies the Foundation’s prowess in bridging cultural chasms and fostering a sense of belonging among Ireland’s diverse populace. “I moved to Ireland 20 years ago so I couldn’t be any more Irish now,” Zak says. “Even still, my relationship with the foundation helped me understand things I wouldn’t have known about Irish history.”

John Farrelly, former Foundation board member and CEO of the Mental Health Commission, echoes the sentiment, elucidating the intrinsic connection between acceptance, diversity, and mental wellbeing.

The Irish flag, in Farrelly’s eyes, stands as a potent symbol of unity amidst diversity. Beyond the pomp of Flag Day celebrations and scholarship programs, the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing Irish identity transcends boundaries. Educational initiatives aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of Irish history and culture among our young people, underscore the Foundation’s unwavering resolve to uphold the values enshrined within our national flag.

As the Foundation embarks on its next chapter, its commitment to nurturing Irish identity through peace and inclusion remains steadfast. By engaging with young minds from diverse backgrounds, celebrating diversity, and remembering the legacy of Thomas Meagher, the Foundation continues to inspire generations to embrace the values encapsulated in the Irish tricolour: peace, diversity, and inclusion.

Further information on the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation and the Awards and Scholarships Porgramme can be found at www.tfmfoundation.ie