Stamps mark President John F Kennedy’s 1963 visit to Ireland

2 June 2013

Designed by leading designer, Steve Simpson, the stamps and a first day cover feature iconic photographs taken during the historic four-day visit.

A 60c stamp shows a photograph of President Kennedy being served tea by his cousin’s daughter, the late Mary Ann Ryan, in Dunganstown, just outside New Ross.

A 90c stamp shows President Kennedy and Taoiseach Seán Lemass laying a wreath at Arbour Hill.  Also pictured is then Commandant PJ Daly who went on to become Brigadier General of the Defence Forces and who joined Jim Grennan, a distant cousin of the Kennedys to unveil the stamps at today’s special ceremony.

Speaking at the unveiling Cllr Paul Crowdle, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Town Council, welcomed An Post’s decision to unveil the JFK Commemorative stamps in New Ross:  “This stamp launch is part of this year’s special JFK 50 programme of events and reinforces the close links between New Ross and the Kennedy Family.”

Mr Barney Whelan, An Post Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs said that there was significant national and international interest in the new stamps: “Irish stamps are renowned for the quality of their subject matter and their design. As they travel on letters and parcels and take their place in treasured stamp collections across the globe, they loudly proclaim Ireland’s enduring respect and fondness for John F Kennedy, his historic visit and its significance for Irish people in the United States and at home.”

The new stamps and limited edition First Day Cover (€2.50) may be viewed and purchased from Thursday next, June 6th, at www.irishstamps.ie; from the GPO, Dublin and main Post Offices.