historyflag

6 History students were chosen to represent Gorey Community School at a
prestigious event in Waterford to honour the many positives of the Irish
flag. The day was organised by the Thomas Meagher Foundation, whose aim is
to promote pride in and respect for, the Irish flag and its meaning for
peace. The ceremony remembered Meagher, the first to ever fly the
tricolour in Waterford in 1848 and who went on to be a General in the
American army and was also Governor of the state of Montana. President
Michael D Higgins attended and gave a very thought-provoking speech; his
words redefined the significance of a flag; an object which should be about
inclusion rather than being hijacked by any one group. Young people from
all over the country listened to the speeches from ambassadors and sporting
figures. A video message from Robbie Keane, captain of the Irish soccer
team aroused great excitement amongst the students, particularly when he
mentioned how proud he is to see the flag while he's on the pitch. Before
he said goodbye he told all present to look under their seats, some lucky
students found tickets to future Republic of Ireland games. Musical flag
flying was also chronicled; Ireland's success at the Eurovision fondly
rememberd by MC, RTE's Mary Kennedy as well as live music from Molly
Sterling, this year's Irish entry. There was no shortage of pomp and
ceremony, particularly when each school was presented with a flag; David
Monaghan accepted on behalf of Gorey Community School. Ambassadors from
Canada and France, as well as US army representatives and members of the
Irish Naval Service added to the occasion. The History students who
represented Gorey Community School were: Jessica Feaheny, David Monaghan,
Brooke Phillips, Ryan Price, Grace O'Brien and Ciaran Moran.