Countdown to Ryder Cup: Minister launches four new stamps

26 September 2005

Monday, September 26, 2005: Four new stamps celebrating the outstanding contribution of Irish golfers to Ryder Cup and Ireland’s hosting of the event next year were unveiled by Mr Noel Dempsey TD, Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources at the K Club, Straffan, Co Kildare this evening.

Speaking at the event Minister Dempsey said that as a globally-renowned golfing event, the Ryder Cup has seen the participation of many Irish golfers since the event’s formal inception in 1927.

“It is only fitting that we take this opportunity to acknowledge and pay tribute to the enormous contribution that they have made to this great event down the years. An Post, in their Commemorative Stamp Programme for 2005 and 2006 are paying tribute to the Ryder Cup and the great Irish golfers who have added so much to the competition,” he said.

The winning team of Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley is featured on a 48c stamp, holding aloft the 2002 Ryder Cup when McGinley’s 10 foot putt on the Belfry’s 18th green secured the Cup’s return to Europe, while a second 48c stamp features photographic portraits of Eamonn Darcy, Christy O’Connor Junior and Philip Walton.

Golfers Ronan Rafferty, Christy O’Connor Senior - who played in ten consecutive Ryder Cup competitions - and the late Harry Bradshaw are shown on a 60c stamp while a 65c denomination shows a photograph of the K Club’s infamous 18th hole, designed by Arnold Palmer, with the clubhouse in the background.

An Post has also launched a special booklet for golf enthusiasts and the corporate market containing four of each new stamp alongside detailed background information about Ireland’s involvement in Ryder Cup by golf writer Dermot Gilleece.

Speaking at the event An Post Chairperson, Ms Margaret McGinley said “these new stamps speak volumes about Ireland and its people; our proud sporting tradition; our ability to compete with consummate skill at the very highest international level; the determination and prowess of our sportspeople; our fine tradition of hospitality and welcome and the relatively new spirit of confidence and self-belief that underscores Irish business, sporting and personal success.”

Mr Richard Hills, Ryder Cup Director said that Irish golfers have made an enormous contribution to Europe’s Ryder Cup cause down the years. “These four new stamps will provide a lasting legacy of the 2006 Ryder Cup at the K Club to members of the public and collectors alike,” he added.

An Post expects strong interest in the stamps and special booklets from philatelists and golfing enthusiasts worldwide. “Everyone wants a little piece of the Ryder Cup and what better way to become involved than to have Ireland’s finest golfers travel with your mail,” a spokesperson commented.

The new stamps and booklet (€9.50) may be viewed or purchased at www.irishstamps.ie , at main post offices and at the GPO, Dublin.