What do you think of a Pope Irish flag?
It’s become almost commonplace at sporting events in Ireland and when supporting Irish athletes abroad that you’ll see flags with writing and pictures on them.
Flags have now gone on sale in some places with pictures of Pope Francis on them ahead of the Papal visit which has caused offence to some people including one listener of Ocean FM.
Speaking on the Francie Boylan show, a caller named Seamus called in to say that such a move constitutes desecration of the flag.
You can listen to the full exchange below…
On the Department of the Taoiseach website, it outlines with the Irish Constitution the guidelines for the Irish flag and steps to take to ensure that it is respected at all times.
- The National Flag should never be defaced by placing slogans, logos, lettering orpictures of any kind on it, for example at sporting events.
- The National Flag should not be draped on cars, trains, boats or other modes of transport. It should not be carried flat, but should always be carried aloft and free, except when used to drape a coffin; on such an occasion, the green should be at the head of the coffin.
-
The National Flag when used as a decoration should always be treated with due respect. It may be used as a discreet lapel button or rosette or a small version may be used as part of a centrepiece for a table. When used in the latter context with the flags of other nations, the National Flag should also be displayed in the place of honour on a nearby flag staff.
-
Care should be taken at all times, including when raising or lowering, to ensure that the National Flag does not touch the ground, trail in water or become entangled in trees or other obstacles.
The rules however are not “statutory requirements” which means no one can be prosecuted for infringing the guidelines, but it is expected that those who handle the tricolor observe the correct procedure, particularly concerning the flying of the flag.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
