Minister Pat The Cope Launches ‘Cope’ Centenary Stamp
16 January 2006
The 48c stamp and First Day Cover features a portrait of Paddy the Cope, founder of Templecrone against a background photograph of Paddy standing outside the original Templecrone Co-operative Store.
Speaking at the event Minister Gallagher said:
“The Co-operative movement was tremendously important to the people of Donegal and I am delighted that the first such movement in Donegal, founded by my grandfather, Paddy the Cope, is now being commemorated by the launch of this stamp.
Established in 1906 by Patrick Gallagher, Templecrone Co-operative Agricultural Society Ltd., trading as The Cope, became the first recognised co-operative in the Rosses area of County Donegal and was a founding force for the Irish co-operative movement in Ireland.
Having experienced first-hand the benefits that accrued from taking control of supply and demand mechanisms, Patrick Gallagher urged friends to pool resources and start a co-op based on the ideal of self-sufficiency. ‘The Cope’ soon became intrinsic to the town’s development and was a key focal point in all community activities and employment catering for almost every household and agricultural need of the time, including credit facilities at low interest rates.
Based on the ideals of social justice, the Cope prospered through the exceptional vision and initiative of Patrick Gallagher. His involvement in wholesaling, fishing and bakery mills provided employment for hundreds during the early years of the last century.
Today, the Cope continues to be a leading source of employment in Donegal and it plays an important role in the area’s ongoing development.
Speaking at the event An Post Chairperson Margaret McGinley said:
“This stamp is a fitting way to mark the centenary of such an important local initiative. As these stamps travel all over the country and all over the world, particularly to the homes and businesses of Donegal people, they will give out a very strong and proud message to all who see them. They speak volumes about who we are at an international, national and local level, where we have come from and about the fortitude, integrity and hard work of generations of families past and present.
“We are delighted to share with Minister Pat the Cope Gallagher, grandson of Patrick Gallagher, in The Cope’s centenary celebrations,” she added.
Designed by Steve Simpson the stamp and special First Day Cover are available from Dungloe Post Office, main Post Offices, the GPO Philatelic Shop (Tel: 01 705 7400) and online at www.irishstamps.ie (new window)
Contact the Press Office for further information.
