About
The Thomas Francis Meagher Foundation was established in 2013 to promote pride in, and respect for, the Irish flag and the understanding of its symbolism and meaning for peace.
First flown by Thomas Francis Meagher in Waterford in 1848, the Irish tricolor flag is an iconic symbol that generates worldwide respect.
Each year on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day on the 16th of March, the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation’s Annual Flag Day takes place in secondary schools across the State. Flag Day gives schools the opportunity to celebrate Active Citizenship & Inclusivity in their school community and to enter the Awards & Scholarship Program.
Email:
info@tfmfoundation.ie
Website:
https://tfmfoundation.ie/
Challenge Area Activities
Take part in the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation’s annual Flag Day and help to promote pride in, and respect for, the Irish flag.
Participants can take part in weekly activities working towards the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation’s ‘Flag Day’ by emailing info@tfmfoundation.ie for a free Flag pack.
Included in your Flag pack will be:
Participants can take part in weekly activities working towards the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation’s ‘Flag Day’ by emailing info@tfmfoundation.ie for a free Flag pack.
Included in your Flag pack will be:
- Lapel pins to fundraise for charities, causes and/or projects of your choosing.
- Copies of the supplements produced by the Irish Independent on the Irish Flag and the Foundation, including lesson plans devised by the History Teachers Association.
- A flag which has flown from 33 The Mall, where Thomas F. Meagher first raised the flag.
- Promotional material and ideas for Flag Day events.
Programme Breakdown
Participants can explore unique ways to promote and prepare for the Flag Day, while incorporating other activities and projects related to the overall concept of the Flag Day and The Thomas F. Meagher Foundation.
Sample 13 Week Bronze Award Programme
- Week 1: Investigate the history of the Irish Flag.
- Week 2: Irish Flag and Irish culture – research references to the Irish flag in poetry, literature, music, and popular culture.
- Week 3: Irish Flag in an international context – students share information about other flags and what they symbolise, exploring the importance and symbolism of flags.
- Week 4: Protocol and respect for the flag.
- Week 5: The team creates a plan of action for the remaining weeks in relation to events and activities the group intends to present for ‘Flag Day’ – including focus, actions, flag protocols, and roles.
- Week 6: Choose a charity to raise funding for through the lapel pin sales.
- Weeks 7–8: Create an awareness campaign about the charity and the Irish Flag (create and display posters in the school, deliver presentations to other classes, communicate with the charity and gather literature).
- Week 9: Sell lapel pins (this may take more than one week).
- Week 10: Prepare for Flag Day – invite local representatives and representatives from the charity.
- Week 11: Continue preparing for Flag Day – organise the running order, speakers, room booking, refreshments, seating, etc.
- Week 12: Flag Day – events and activities.
- Week 13: Reflect on the project outcomes.
- Create an information campaign or exhibition in the school or local library.
- Contact local radio and newspapers to publicise the activities.
- Speech writing and delivery.
- Promotion and marketing campaign.
- Invite a relevant speaker to the school to address students.
- Contact local government and public offices to discuss how they use the flag.
- After the awareness campaign, students could complete a fun questionnaire about the flag.
- Students ask school management about the school’s flag.
- Collaborate with other members of the community, for example older community members.
