Lanarkshire Philatelic Society

"Ireland; Post Independence"

Mrs. Jean Osborne

On Friday afternoon members of the Lanarkshire Philatelic Society enjoyed a most interesting display of Irish philately. The guest speaker was Mrs Jean Osborne of the Falkirk Philatelic Society.

She began by outlining the historical setting – that in 1921 the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty led to the formation of the Irish Free State – excluding the 6 counties of Northern Ireland. Before this British stamps were the legal issue – but, until the new Free State could print its own stamps, British stamps – with the head of King George V- were overprinted with Irish text and script - Rialtas Sealadach na héireann – (Provisional Government of Ireland). There was an excellent display of the postal history of this time – showing the  complex issues of different values, plating, shading, accurate measurements, overprint colours, printers, and flaws.

Later, in December 1922, the first definitives were issued – a set of 12 stamps showing the Sword of Light, Map of Ireland, Celtic Cross and the Arms of the 4 Provinces. Through the following years the definitive issues show a variety of designs – including Irish Architecture, Irish Jewellery, Flora and Fauna, Birds, Animals and Marine life of Ireland.

From 1952 the stamps changed to Roman type but retained Éire as the name of the country.

In 1929, the first commemorative stamp was issued depicting Daniel O’Connell – "The Liberator" – (whose statue is in Dublin) and through the following years many events have been remembered.  In 1941  - the 25^th Anniversary of the Easter Rising – and this further commemorated in 2016 for the Centenary; in 1969 the 50^th Anniversary of Dáil Éireann (first National Parliament); 1971 the first Christmas stamp; 1974 the Centenary of Irish Rugby Football Union; 2014 Centenary of Home Rule Act. Stamps issued showing Irish life and culture; famous Irish people; fauna and flora; sport; transport-  amongst others.

Brian Dow gave warm thanks for the most informative and interesting talk and display of stamps many members had not seen before.
 

Our next display meeting in the Caledonian Bowling Club, Motherwell Road, Hamilton, is on Friday, 15th December, 2023, at 1:30pm  when members will display their "Christmas" material.

Anyone with an interest in stamps, postal history, postcards etc is very welcome to attend.