The People’s Flag: Sanita Pušpure, Olympic Rower on what the tricolour means to her

The tricolour is one symbol that embodies the most important aspiration of all Irish people, peace and unity. Despite the historical struggles, all Irish people should be united, irrespective of their beliefs and ideology.

2Can you share a moment or memory when the Irish flag had a particularly powerful meaning for you?

The hoisting of tricolour combined with Amhran Na Bhfiann being rendered after I won the World Championships, was most certainly one of the most memorable moments in my life.

3How do you believe the Irish flag can continue to unite and inspire people in modern times?

As time moves on, and younger generations become less aware of certain aspects of Irish history, the origin story of tricolor and what it embodies, remains a significant source of inspiration for people in modern times.

4What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you see the Irish flag waving?

For me personally, the image of the Irish flag symbolises hope and opportunity. When we came to Ireland almost two decades ago, all we hoped for was a better future for us and our children. And Ireland has indeed provided us with an opportunity to achieve this, as it has to many other families.

5If you could add one more element to the Irish flag to represent modern Ireland, what would it be and why?

This is a difficult question. While tricolour as a symbol is almost two centuries old, in its own way it still represents very current and actual hopes and aspirations of Irish people. For this reason, I believe, it still is a good representation of modern Ireland.