The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, has unveiled two new stamps commemorating the 250th anniversary of the birth of Daniel O’Connell, a towering figure in Irish history.
Designed by Irish artist David Rooney, the stamps are now available at selected post offices and online at anpost.com/history.
They pay tribute to O’Connell’s lasting legacy and his pivotal role in Ireland’s journey towards democracy and human rights.
One stamp depicts his release from Richmond Bridewell, following a three-month imprisonment, while the other shows him at one of his famous ‘monster meetings,’ which drew massive crowds.
A special limited-edition First Day Cover envelope, featuring his statue in Ennis, Co. Clare, is also available.
Speaking at a symposium at Trinity College, the Taoiseach highlighted O’Connell’s international influence. “By every measure, Daniel O’Connell was the most internationally known and influential leader in our history,” he said.
“He was a campaigner for Catholic emancipation, the repeal of the Act of the Union, and the abolition of slavery. I am delighted to honour him and remember his legacy with these stamps.”
An Post CEO David McRedmond expressed his hope that the stamps would spark a new interest in O’Connell. “He is an iconic figure for the times in which we live,” he said.
Born in 1775, O’Connell’s campaign for the repeal of the 1800 Act of Union ultimately led to the 1829 Roman Catholic Relief Act, which gave Catholics the right to serve as Members of Parliament.
