Stamps of Ireland
Commemoratives of 1929-1941
The first commemorative postage stamps of Ireland appeared in 1929. The Irish commemorative stamp program, at the time, was very conservative, with there being approximately one commemorative stamp or set of stamps issued each year.
The three commemorative postage stamps of Ireland shown above (Sc. #80-82) were issued on June 22, 1929 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Catholic Emancipation in Ireland.
The common design of these commemorative stamps features a portrait of Daniel O'Connell.
Daniel O'Connell (1745-1847) was an Irish political leader, often referred to as the Liberator or Emancipator. He fought for Catholic emancipation, including the right for Catholics to sit in the Westminster Parliament. O'Connell won election to the House of Commons in 1828, but he could not take his seat, as the required Oath of Supremacy was not compatible with Catholicism. The Duke of Wellington (1769-1852) and Sir Robert Peel (1788-1850) appealed to King George IV (Lived: 1762-1830, Reigned: 1820-1830) on O'Connell's behalf. They were able to convince the King that members of all faiths, other than the Church of Ireland, be able to sit in parliament. The proposal became law in 1829.
The 2 P. denomination commemorative stamp shown above (Sc. #83) was issued on October 15, 1930 to celebrate the Completion of the River Shannon Hydro-Electric Development.
The design features the Hydro-Electric Station on the River Shannon.
The two commemorative stamps of Ireland shown above (Sc. #85-86) were issued on May 12, 1932 to publicize the upcoming International Eucharistic Congress.
The common design of the two stamps features the cross of the congress and a chalice.
The 31st International Eucharistic Congress of 1932 was held in Dublin, Ireland from June 22nd to June 26th. The congress also coincided with the 1,500th Anniversary of St. Patrick's arrival in Ireland. Almost one third of Ireland's population attended the outdoor mass at the end of the congress.
The two commemorative stamps shown above (Sc. #88-89) were issued on September 18, 1933 to celebrate Holy Year.
The common design features a representation of the Adoration of the Cross.
The two commemorative stamps shown above (Sc. #99-100) were issued on December 29, 1937 to celebrate Constitution Day. The new constitution was ratified, by a vote of the people of the Irish Free State, on December 29, 1937, creating the Republic of Ireland.
The common design features an allegory of Ireland and the Constitution.
The two commemorative stamps of Ireland shown above (Sc. #101-102) were issued on July 1, 1938 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Temperance Crusade by Father Mathew.
The common design features a sketch of Father Theobald Mathew.
Father Theobald Mathew (1790-1856) was an Irish temperance reformer. Father Mathew founded the Cork Total Abstinence Society on April 10, 1838.
The two commemorative stamps of Ireland shown above (Sc. #103-104) were issued on March 1, 1939 to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the United States Constitution.
The common design features the Heraldic Eagle of the United States, George Washington, and a Harp.
The two definitive type stamps shown above (Sc. #118-119) were overprinted on April 12, 1941 to honor the 25th Anniversary of the Easter Uprising, also known as the Easter Rebellion, of April 1916.
The overprint on these stamps states "1941 / In Memory of the Uprising / 1916".
The 2 1/2 P. denomination commemorative stamp shown above (Sc. #120) was issued on October 27, 1941 to honor the 25th Anniversary of the Easter Uprising, also known as the Easter Rebellion, of April 1916.
The design features a volunteer soldier and the Dublin Post Office.
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Commemoratives of 1929-1941
The 2 P. denomination stamp shown above (Sc. #84) was issued on June 12, 1931 to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Royal Dublin Society.
The design features a farmer with a scythe.
The Royal Dublin Society was formed on June 25, 1731 to promote and develop agriculture, arts, industry, and science in Ireland. To this day, the society continues to further the economic and cultural development of Ireland.
The 2 P. denomination stamp shown above (Scott #90) was issued on July 27, 1934 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Gaelic Athletic Association, founded on November 1, 1884.
The design features an athlete playing Hurling.
Hurling is an Irish game similar to field hockey. It is the national game of Ireland, dating back to the 2nd Millennium B.C.