Flag of Ireland
The national flag of the Republic of Ireland (Irish: bratach na hÉireann) is a tricolour vertical flag of green, white, and orange.[1][2] It is also known as the Irish tricolour. The flag proportion is 1:2 (length twice the width). To unionists it is frequently seen as antagonistic to their history and culture.
 | |
| Use | National flag and ensign |
|---|---|
| Proportion | 1:2 |
| Adopted | January 21st - 1919 |
| Design | A vertical tricolour of green, white, and orange. |
Its meaning is not explained in the Irish Constitution,[3] but the Irish government has stated that:
- the green[broken anchor] represents the Gaelic (catholic) tradition of Ireland;
- the orange represents the followers of William of Orange in Ireland who were supporters of the Protestant Anglo-Irish loyalist tradition.
- and the white represents the hope of peace, or a truce, between them.[4][5]
Flag Of Ireland Media
Representation of an Irish harp, c.1100 AD, on a reliquary shrine of St. Máedóc, County Wexford
The green harp flag, first used by Eoghan Ruadh Ó Néill in 1642
Blessing of the Colours by John Lavery
The Irish flag is always flown with the green at the hoist.
Design used in the past, but now abandoned
The Red Ensign, used by some Irish merchant vessels until 1939
A large tricolour flying from Cuchulainn House in the New Lodge, Belfast
Tricolours have been burned on Loyalist bonfires during twelfth of July celebrations.
Flag flown in the place of honour to the left, accompanied to the right by the flags of the European Union and Canada
Michael Collins lying in state by John Lavery showing the green of the flag towards the head
The Irish flag flying from the General Post Office in Dublin
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References
- ↑ Department of the Taoiseach. Retrieved 2011-11-01.
- ↑ Constitution of Ireland - Bunreacht na hÉireann (Article 7). Retrieved 2011-11-01.
- ↑ Constitution of Ireland.
- ↑ Taoiseach.gov.ie
- ↑ 'National Flag' Department of the Taoiseach "Youth Zone" web page.