Stamp commemorates the Birth of Douglas Hyde

22 January 2010

Born to Elizabeth and a Church of Ireland Rector, Rev. Arthur Hyde on 17th January, 1860 in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, Douglas Hyde studied law and graduated from Trinity College in 1884.  In 1893 he co-founded the Gaelic League in order to revive the Irish language, culture and traditions.  In the same year he married Lucy Kurtz who was of German extraction.

Acknowledging his role in the revival of the Irish language and culture, Dáil Éireann unanimously selected him as the first President of Ireland in 1938. 
He died in 1949, four years after completing his full term of office.   

The new stamp may be viewed or purchased online at www.irishstamps.ie or from the GPO Philatelic Shop and main post offices.