Minister launches Irish Mariner stamps

30 September 2003

The stamps were formally launched today (September 30, 2003) by Minister of State John Browne, T.D. at a function in Wexford, the birthplace Commodore John Barry, founder of the US Navy, who died in 1803.

Also featured on the stamps are Foxford, Co Mayo-born Admiral William Brown who founded the Argentine Navy, Wicklow’s Captain Robert Halpin and Captain Richard Roberts who was born in Passage West in Cork.

Halpin was master of the vessel which laid the first telecommunications cables. Richard Roberts was captain of the Sirius which in 1838 made the first scheduled passenger voyage between London and New York.

The stamps which are denominated at 48c and 57c show contemporary portraits of the seamen. Designed by Ms Ger Garland, the stamps are complemented by a special presentation booklet and first day cover available now at main post offices and on-line at www.irishstamps.ie

Minister Browne said Wexford’s seagoing tradition went back to the early settlements at the mouth of the Slaney and Wexford was enormously proud of the achievements of Commodore Barry.

Garrett Thornton of An Post said that Barry and Brown had won fame through spectacular naval victories while Halpin and Roberts devoted their lives to daring sea ventures – advancing communications and developing passenger traffic – from which we still benefit, he said.