Defence Forces honoured in new stamps

More than 60 years of overseas service by the Defence Forces are to be honoured in a set of stamps, to be shown for the first time this morning.

The four-stamp set depicts the four branches of the forces – the Army, Naval Service, Air Corps and Reserve Defence Force.

'Ethos'
Speaking at the launch of the stamps, Lieut Gen Conor O'Boyle, chief of staff of the Defence Forces, said: "I am very appreciative to An Post for their work in issuing this special commemorative set of stamps as a salute to the modern Irish Defence Forces.

“The stamps symbolise the ethos of Óglaigh na hÉireann – defending, protecting and supporting – at home and overseas”.

An Post chief executive Donal Connell said that the stamp designs captured the breadth of the important work undertaken by the Defence Forces.

“There will be keen national and international interest for these stamps from both philatelists as well as those with an interest in military history and peacekeeping activities throughout the world,” he said.

The stamps have been designed by Zinc Design Consultants.

The stamps, a first day cover and a prestige booklet containing additional background information and extra stamps, are available at the General Post Office on O’Connell Street, Dublin, main post offices, and online at irishstamps.ie.