Minister Dempsey launches 48c Davitt Commemorative Stamp

4 September 2006

Speaking at the event An Post Chairperson, Margaret McGinley said that it was most fitting that the launch of the stamp should take place in Staide’s Davitt museum, formerly the church were Michael Davitt was christened in 1846 and close to the home from which his family was evicted in 1850 and the place where he was laid to rest in June 1906.

“The stamp pays tribute to the enormous legacy of Michael Davitt to Ireland, and his reputation as the Father of the Land League.  The campaign of the Land League changed the future of Ireland, and during his lifetime no public figure commanded more respect and affection among Irish people at home and abroad than Michael Davitt.”

Nancy Smyth, Chairperson of the Michael Davitt National Memorial Association which runs the Davitt museum in Straide said that the issuing of a stamp commemorating the life and work of Michael Davitt is very important to the Association:

“Our aim is to promote the work of the Patriot.  By his leadership during the period 1879-1882, the Land League achieved by peaceful protest and constitution means, the land for the people, transforming tenants into owners & occupiers, setting the foundation for the new Ireland.”

The stamp design is based on Sir William Orpen’s original painting of Davitt in which strong colours and flowing brush strokes are used to create a most striking effect. It goes on sale at main post offices tomorrow (September 5th) and online at www.irishstamps.ie

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