27-05-2025
Wexford secondary school raises spirits with flag day celebrating identity and inclusion
New Ross Standard
Today at 22:00
Flag Week 2025 at Good Counsel College was a vibrant celebration of national identity, student voice, and inclusion. Now in its fifth year, the initiative has grown from a modest 2020 Flag Day into a week of student-led events showcasing creativity, leadership, and a shared commitment to a more inclusive school community.
This year's programme opened on May 12, with a welcome from fifth year student Colt Belleno and concluded on May 20, with a moving flag-raising led by sixth year Nicholas Venn Wall. At its core, Flag Week continues to honour the values of Thomas Francis Meagher – peace, unity, and respect – while encouraging reflection on identity and belonging in modern Ireland.
A standout moment was the visit from Schools of Sanctuary, where ambassadors from Botswana, Somalia, and Ukraine shared moving stories of migration and resilience, reminding us that the Tricolour belongs to everyone who calls Ireland home.
Throughout the week, students shared the countries and cultures they identify with through presentations, posters, and digital content on the Flag Week 2025 Hub which was created by fifth year student, Patrick Conway, with support from Bobby Lanigan.
Tuesday's ceremony included a stirring performance by past pupil and Pipe Major, Jack Ronan, with a formal address on Meagher's legacy, MC'd by fifth year, Cormac Fleming. Speeches from Jason Little, Alejandro Espadas Rivero (Mexico), Bobby Lanigan, and third year student, Maurizio Toselli (Italy) reflected on identity and unity.
The first years were introduced to Thomas Francis Meagher through a presentation by Johawn Shawn in fifth year and Eimantas Cejauskas in third year, followed by an engaging and entertaining quiz led by Michael Power and his team.
Other highlights included a student visit to the Multicultural Fair at St. Mary's; art and photo displays led by Killian Walsh and Bobby Lanigan; a school flag redesign, now proudly flown; and a competition to create a new Good Counsel College anthem.
Flag Week 2025 wasn't just a commemoration, it was a bold, student-driven vision for Ireland's future.
