Taoiseach To Present Thomas Francis Meagher's Sword To The Friends Of Ireland In United States Congress

Commenting in advance of the presentation which will be made at a special lunch organised by, Rep. Richie Neal, Chair of the Congressional Friends of Ireland in Congress, the Taoiseach said he saw the gift "as a symbol of the continuing friendship between the people of Ireland and the people of America."

The sword has been donated by the City of Waterford and a delegation from the city is in Washington, DC to attend events surrounding the Taoiseach's historic address to the US Congress tomorrow.

Thomas Francis Meagher was born in Waterford.  He became an Irish nationalist leader and member of the Young Irelanders.

In 1848, on his return from revolutionary Paris, he presented the Tricolour of Green, White and Orange to a meeting in Dublin. 

This later became recognised as the National Flag of Ireland.

After the 1848 rebellion, Meagher was transported to Van Diemens Land but later made his way to America. 

He fought with the famous Fighting 69th Regiment of the New York Militia and then formed the Irish Brigade and fought in many battles during the American Civil War, rising to the rank of Brigadier General.

The presentation has great historic resonance as it reciprocates the presentation by President Kennedy of a flag of the Fighting 69th to the Irish people when he visited Ireland in 1963. 

That flag is displayed in a place of honour in Leinster House.