The 1848 Tricolor Celebrations are kicking off in Waterford today.
The event commemorates the flying of the Irish National Flag for the first time by Waterford man Thomas Francis Meagher
Over the course of the weekend, various events will be taking place
Paul Dower, Chairperson of the 1848 Tricolor Celebration Committee explains what's going to be happening
"We're having an exhibition of the Meagher artifacts that are in they city archives here in Waterford City.
That's in Ladies Lane.
That's a must see because there are artifacts there than have never been seen by the public before.
We have a historic talk in Savoy restaurant where Meagher actually lived.
On Saturday we have the road to independence, that's the battle reenactment we're having. We're having over 80 reenactors with a First World War tank, we'll have a cannon there and 80 people with guns and bullets flying everywhere. Blank bullets, not real ones!"
Dower said it's something to be proud of.
"It's a thing of pride, I mean, although the flag was first flown here in Waterford, the flag is our identity as Irish People.
This is a national thing, this is something to be proud of.
The flag at the end of the day is a flag of peace and that is the message we are trying to get across, that we can all live together.
Of course, the flag is synonymous all across the world with the Irish being good craic and good fun.
It just goes to show that that white in the middle, the most important part, the one of peace and brotherhood, is working to some extent"
