A book about the father of Thomas Francis Meagher was launched in the Granville Hotel over the weekend.
Thomas Meagher: Forgotten Father of Thomas Francis Meagher tells the story of Thomas' father and what it was like to have a rebel son.
The launch of the book was part of the weekend-long Thomas Francis Meagher Tricolour festival which celebrates the flying of the Irish National flag. It flew for the first time on the 17th March 1848 at 33 The Mall.
Thomas and his son
Thomas Meagher settled in Waterford in 1819 and established himself as a champion of political and religious equality.
In 1842, he was elected as Mayor of Waterford and was the first Catholic to hold the office since the 17th Century. He served as an MP for the city for ten years, from 1847-1857.
As a follower of Daniel O'Connell, the conflict between constitutional and revolutionary nationalism in Ireland was seen between Thomas and his son, who was a leader of the Young Ireland rising in 1848.
The launch
Eamonn McEneaney, Director of Waterford Museum of Treasures, launched the book.
It was written by Dr. Eugene Broderick, a modern history advisor to the Waterford Museum of Treasures and member of its board.
He is also the author of many other publications including Patrons and Patterns: The Holy Wells of Waterford and John Hearne: Architect of the 1937 Constitution of Ireland.
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