Stamps mark 50 years of Ireland's UN membership
14 October 2005
Four new stamps commemorating the 50th anniversary of Ireland’s membership of the United Nations were launched by An Post as STAMPA 2005, the national stamp exhibition, opened at the RDS, Dublin today,Friday, October 14, 2005.
Two 48c stamps and a 65c stamp incorporate colourful action photographs of Defence Forces staff and a member of An Garda Síochána on UN Peacekeeping duties in the Lebanon and East Timor, while a 60c stamp shows the eminent Irish statesman, Mr FH Boland, signatory of Ireland’s UN membership in 1955.
The stamps were unveiled by Ms Margaret McGinley, Chairperson of An Post; Lt. Gen. Jim Sreenan, Chief of Staff, Defence Forces; Asst Commissioner Eddie Rock, An Garda Síochána and Mr Fergal Boland, son of FH Boland.
Speaking at the event An Post Chairperson, Ms Margaret McGinley said:
“As well as marking the 50th anniversary, these four stamps underscore Ireland’s ongoing commitment to the United Nations and its many and varied spheres of activity and influence. We also remember those members of the Irish Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána who have lost their lives in the cause of world peace,” she added.
Defence Forces’ involvement in United Nations Peacekeeping has been continuous since June 1958 when the first group of officers were posted to Lebanon as international observers. Since then members of the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána have completed more than 56,000 tours of duty under the flag of the United Nations.
Three major missions - the Congo, the Lebanon and Cyprus have accounted for the majority of these tours of duty but Defence Forces personnel, have also served in Central America, Russia, the former Yugoslavia, Cambodia, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Namibia, Western Sahara, South African and East Timor.
The new stamps which go on sale today may be viewed and purchased at the GPO, Dublin and online at www.irishstamps.ie
The stamp issue coincides with the opening at the RDS, Dublin of STAMPA 2005, the national philatelic exhibition which runs until Sunday, October 16. With more than €5 million worth of stamps on display and for sale, more than 2,000 people are expected to attend the prestigious celebration of stamps and stamp collecting.
