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POSTED 23.3.2023

The People’s Flag 175 Years Later

A flag is the most sacred thing a nation can possess. That’s what nationalist and patriot Thomas F. Meagher said after flying the Irish tricolour for the first time in 1848.

Every year, the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation, a national charity, organises Flag Day for secondary schools with support from the History Teachers Association of Ireland (HTAI) and Gaisce – The President’s Award.

StoryLab was delighted to work with the Irish Independent in March to produce a 24-page supplement called ‘The People’s Flag’, with content centred on the important educational work of the Foundation.

Thomas F. Meagher was just 43 when he died in 1867, falling overboard a boat on the Missouri River. He died in mysterious circumstances but created a national legacy – he flew the first Irish tricolour from The Mall in Waterford, 175 years ago.

The foundation promotes global understanding of the Irish flag and its true meaning of peace, respect and reconciliation

The 2023 anniversary supplement reached a readership of more than 500,000 people, with the Irish Independent delivering orders to schools across Ireland. 

‘The People’s Flag’ included special classroom lessons in English, Irish and Ukranian – from HTAI members as well as contributions from Gaisce, the Irish American Partnership and Thomas F. Meagher ambassador, hurler Zak Moradi.

If you want to find out about how we can help you create content like The People’s Flag supplement, click here.