StoryLab recently collaborated with ‘Irish Independent’ publisher Mediahuis and the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation to produce a special 24-page supplement, called ‘The People’s Flag’, on the Foundation’s work in promoting the all-important message of peace and reconciliation symbolised by the Irish flag.

The Foundation, a national charity, organises Flag Day for secondary schools every year with support from the History Teachers Association of Ireland (HTAI) and Gaisce – The President’s Award.

StoryLab has produced the supplement, which is aimed at second level students, on several occasions in recent years and the work sees us pull on our expertise in managing a fast-moving content project to strict deadlines for the country’s largest media publisher.

We always enjoy catching up with the Foundation’s work and the incredible story of Thomas Francis Meagher, the nationalist and patriot who first flew the Irish tricolour in Waterford in 1848.

Inspired by the French ‘tricolore’, he designed the flag with the green and orange symbolising the two traditions on the island of Ireland and the white in the middle symbolising peace and reconciliation between them.

Thomas Meagher’s eventful life saw him transported to Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) from where he escaped to America. He went on to have a key role in the American Civil War as commander of the Irish Brigade and become governor of Montana before his untimely death in mysterious circumstances at just 43 – when he went overboard while on a boat on the Missouri River. His remains were never found.

The theme of this year’s supplement is the rich history of the relationship between Ireland and the United States as America approaches the 250^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year.

If you want to find out about how we can help you create powerful content like The People’s Flag supplement, click here.