Celebrating 100 Years of Celebration

28 February 2003

Patrick has been venerated as a saint in the Christian calendar since long before the introduction of Vatican canonisation. The ancient Book of Armagh directed monasteries and churches to commemorate Patrick during spring and one thousand years later, the 1903 Bank Holiday (Ireland) Act designated March 17 a national holiday.

Designed by Cork artist Finbarr O’Connor, the postage stamps feature a traditional image of St Patrick (41c), the Dublin Festival Parade passing St Patrick’s Cathedral (50c) and the New York Parade passing St Patrick’s Cathedral on 5th Avenue (57c). They are available now from all main post offices.

A selection of three greetings cards with envelopes are available from all post offices priced €1.80, including priority (airmail) postage to anywhere in the world. Three postage-paid postcards also available, priced €1.00. Designs range from traditional to contemporary and incorporate the 41 cent and 57 cent stamp designs.

The cards and stamps may be also viewed and purchased at www.irishstamps.ie

“An Post is pleased to mark the centenary of our best loved and most celebrated Public Holiday with the issue of these beautiful stamps and St Patrick’s Day cards which will carry warm Irish greetings to friends and relations all over the world,” a spokesperson commented.