READ MORE- The mystery of Celtic and Irish symbols

A weekend of commemoration celebrating the original unveiling of the tricolor flag is will begin on March 5 2011 in Waterford.

Thomas Francis Meagher first presented the tricolor flag and explained its symbolism on March 7, 1848.

The commemoration will begin with a function at the House of Waterford Crystal and will include a Leviathan evening of political theatre hosted by the lead economist David McWilliams.

A tricolor will be raised and a civic event will be held on Sunday, March 6 at The Mall in Waterford, as well of a rendition of the historic speech by Thomas Francis Meagher

The weekend has been spearheaded by Waterford born Cian Foley and history enthusiast James Doherty, in association with Failte Ireland and Waterford City Council among others.

According to Mr Doherty, Thomas Francis Meagher, leader of the Young Irelanders’ rebellion, first unveiled the flag at 33, The Mall, Waterford before it was later presented to the city of Dublin.

“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” Thomas Francis Meagher said at the time.

For more information visit www.1848tricolour.com.

READ MORE- The mystery of Celtic and Irish symbols