Tribute Stamp Celebrates the life of Revolutionary James Fintan Lalor
18 September 2007
“Every man is entitled to an equal share of the land, and of all other things which are the free gifts of Nature “(Lalor; Irish Tribune, 1848).
Lalor took an uncompromising stance on the issue of landownership and tenants rights as a means of achieving social justice for all the people of Ireland, inspiring the catch cry “The land of Ireland belongs to the people of Ireland”. These views positioned him as an extreme nationalist against the political mainstream.
Lalor was arrested and detained briefly in jail as a result of his involvement with the 1848 rising. He had written for various nationalist publications implicitly calling Irish people to direct action. In his last article for the Irish Felon “Clearing Decks,” Lalor wrote “Remember this, that somewhere and somehow, and by somebody, a beginning must be made. Who strikes the first blow for Ireland? Who draws first blood for Ireland? Who wins a wreath that will be green forever “.
Lalor was released from prison in August 1848 due to ill-health. On September 16th, 1849 he attempted to ignite another rebellion during which Lalor himself led the attack on Cappoquin RIC Barracks (Co. Tipperary). Lalor was again arrested and detained in prison where he died of bronchitis on December 27th, 1849. His funeral was attended by over 25,000 mourners.
An Post is proud to issue this 55c commemorative stamp to celebrate 2007 as the bicentenary of the birth of James Fintan Lalor (1807-1849). Lalor was a primary influence on Irish revolutionaries such as Pearse, Davitt and Connolly. His fixed pursuit of improving the lot of the Irish tenant farmers and as an advocate of the people led him to call for Irish Independence; an Irish constitution and a new social contract.
Another revolutionary and advocate of social reform, James Connolly, honoured Lalor as "a revolutionist and a rebel against all forms of political and social injustice".
The stamp features an original illustration of James Fintan Lalor, based on a portrait in ‘The Irish Fireside’ (1885). The stamp is available at main Post Offices, the Philatelic Shop, GPO, Dublin 1 - (01) 7057400 or online at www.irishstamps.ie.
