President unveils Stamps by Texaco Young Artists

19 May 2005

An Post Chairperson, Margaret McGinley and Texaco Country Chairman, Paul Martin joined President McAleese in congratulating the four young artists whose work was chosen to adorn the new stamps, issued by An Post to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Texaco Children’s Art Competition.

A colourful illustration of a frog by Daire Lee (age 11) of Gael Scoil na Cille, Ashbourne, Co Meath appears on a 48 cent stamp while a 60 cent stamp features ‘Marmalade Cat’ by Cian Colman (age 7) of Skerries Art School, Co Dublin.

A 65 cent stamp shows ‘Ralleshin Dipditch’ by Daire O’Rourke (age 13) of St Mary’s Academy, Carlow and the €1 denomination features ‘Fish on a Dish’ by Ailish Fitzpatrick (age 13) of Kilrush Community School, Co Clare.

Speaking after the event, An Post Chairperson, Margaret McGinley said that it was great honour to have President Mary McAleese unveil the colourful new postage stamps and she paid tribute to the four young Texaco Children’s Art Award winners:

“The technical skill and vibrancy of these young artists’ pictures is truly inspirational and these stamps will be impressive ambassadors for Ireland, as they travel far from these shores on postcards, envelopes and parcels and as they take their place in stamp collections the world over.”

As well as the individual stamps, a First Day Cover (€3.48) and a presentation pack (€5.00) containing background information about the history of the Texaco Children’s Art competition in Ireland may be viewed and purchased
at the Philatelic Bureau in Dublin’s GPO on online at www.irishstamps.ie or by telephone
at (+ 353 1) 7057400.