www.irishstamps.

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Collectors

IRISH STAMPS

01/07

NEWS

400th Anniversary of the Irish Franciscan College, Louvain 350th Anniversary of the Death of Fr. Luke Wadding Weddings Greetings Chinese Year of the Pig St. Patricks Day 2007 400th Anniversary of the Flight of the Earls

CONTENTS
NEW YEAR NEW LOOK
Dear Collector, Welcome to the rst issue of our new look Irish Stamps Collectors News. As you can see, we have re-designed our cover and our inside pages, and we have created a more contemporary feel to help keep you up to date with Irish Stamps in every way. Any feedback or comments on our new look are very welcome and can be addressed to me at An Post, Irish Stamps, GPO, Dublin 1, Ireland. To announce the new look and to get the New Year off to a great start, we launch the Commemorative Stamp programme on 24 January with two issues; 400th Anniversary of the Irish Franciscan College, Louvain and the 350th Anniversary of the death of Luke Wadding. On 26 January our annual Love stamp has been replaced with a striking Wedding stamp and we have two Greetings stamps for all your greeting needs throughout the year. This years Chinese lunar theme is the Year of the Pig and for the rst time ever our stamp was designed by a member of the China Postage Stamp Printing Bureau. On 9 February, our Patron Saint is commemorated with the issue of the new St. Patricks Day stamp; read all about it on page 14. The momentous events surrounding the Flight of the Earls also receive a fascinating recounting on page 16. You will also nd many other items of interest throughout this packed edition of Collectors News, which will hopefully pique your philatelic interest and bring you up to speed on the latest news from Irish Stamps. Enjoy!

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News and Information 400th Anniversary of the Irish Franciscan College, Louvain 350th Anniversary of the Death of Luke Wadding 2006 Commemorative Cancellations Weddings Greetings My Collection by Mark Mitchell Chinese Year of the Pig St. Patricks Day 2007 400th Anniversary of the Flight of the Earls Stamp Programme 2007 Minisheet Overprints for Belgica & Monaco Phil 2006 2007 Coin Set

Aidan Murphy, Marketing Manager, Irish Stamps

NEWS &

INFORMATION

STAMPA 2006 WINNER

A large number of entries were received for this competition at Stampa 2006. The draw took place on the last day of the Annual Stampa 2006 Stamp Exhibition which was held in the RDS in October 2006. Congratulations to Brendan Snedker, Raheny, Dublin, the lucky winner of the signed University Church Print by Thomas Ryan, RHA. We will be holding further competitions throughout the year, so look out for them in future editions of Irish Stamps Collectors News!

MUSIC LAUNCH
Pictured on-stage at the launch of the Irish Music Stamps on 7 November 2006 in the GPO, Dublin, are various members of the groups featured on the popular stamps: The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem, The Dubliners, The Chieftains and Altan. Needless to say, it was one of the most successful and one of the biggest launches weve ever had! A REVIEW OF THE POSTAL MARKINGS OF THE HOLYHEAD & KINGSTOWN PACKET 1860 - 1925 What a marvellous read this book is, by A.D. Lovelock. It is a must for all Maritime Postal Historians. This publication is without question of a gold medal standard and covers all areas of the period 1860 - 1925. It is evident that the author has researched this theme and the material over a considerable period of time and has put his knowledge to great use. Both the presentation and quality of the print is excellent, as is the quality of the illustrations of both the hand stamps and the covers. The reproduction of the Acts and Contracts regarding the inauguration of this service is of immeasurable importance to all Maritime Historians and will enhance every Postal Historians library. Review by John Mullen.
NOTE THIS BOOK IS NOT AVAILABLE FROM IRISH STAMPS, VISIT www.tpo-seapost.org.uk TO ORDER

ST. MARYS DOMINICAN PRIORY, TALLAGHT

The talented Irish Architect James Joseph McCarthy (1817 - 1882) otherwise known as the Irish Pugin was commissioned to design St. Marys Dominican Priory, Tallaght, a Gothic Revival Monastery. To mark the 150th Anniversary of the priory, a special cancellation was produced and is now available from the Philatelic Bureau, GPO, Dublin 1 on 00353 (1) 705 7400 or alternatively from John Mullen at jdmmail1@yahoo.co.uk.

ORDER ONLINE
Since the launch of www.irishstamps.ie in March 2002, Collectors have found the website to be a very useful channel for ordering all of their Irish stamps and other Philatelic products online. In January/February this year, Irish Stamps online sales will pass the 1 million mark. If you order online around this time and your order is the lucky one which reaches this milestone, you will receive a FREE Irish stamp 2006 Year Book, together with other Philatelic goodies!

We would like to remind all our readers that as of the 1 January 2007, the price of a First Day Cover is now e1 plus the value of the stamps.

FIRST DAY COVER COST

FIRST DAY COVER SIGNING

Mr. Sen Brgin, designer for the Flight of the Earls issue, has very kindly agreed to sign First Day Covers on the Day of Issue, 23 February, in the Philatelic Shop, GPO, OConnell Street, Dublin 1 between 1pm and 2pm.

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IRISH FRANCISCAN COLLEGE, LOUVAIN

The 400th Anniversary of the Irish Franciscan College, Louvain After the Irish defeat by the English forces at Kinsale in 1601 and the Flight of the Earls in 1607, the Irish Franciscans came under sustained attack by the Protestant invaders of their land. The Minister Provincial, Florence Conry, was granted permission to open a friary in the Spanish Netherlands, through the assistance of King Philip of Spain. This was granted at a time when the rulers of England had forbidden the Franciscans to have a house of studies or a novitiate for the reception of candidates in Ireland. The new foundation was to play a vital role in revitalising the Franciscan Order in Ireland, and stafng the later colleges founded in Rome and Prague. The papal bull of foundation was granted by Pope Paul V in 1607. The new friary was to be dedicated to St. Anthony of Lisbon (now also called Anthony of Padua). The College has now been taken over by the Irish Institute for European Affairs, an educational and training base in mainland Europe and a building restoration programme is expected to be completed in 2007. A series of events, which includes a Michael OCleary Summer School, jointly organised with University College Dublin, and a number of artistic events, will be held during 2007 to coincide with the 400th Anniversary of the foundation of the College. To mark this anniversary, An Post are proud to issue a 75c stamp based on an original illustration by Thomas Ryan RHA. The stamp shows a Franciscan with the door leading to the auditorium of the Irish College in the background. A First Day Cover designed by Thomas Ryan is also available for this issue. There is sure to be a high interest in this issue, so be sure to order early and avoid disappointment.

The image on the FDC is the title page of An Teagasg Criosdaidhe, the rst book published by the Irish Franciscan College. Courtesy of the National Library of Ireland

Technical details
Date of Issue: Value & Quantity: Illustration: Design: Stamp Size: Colour: Make-up: Perforations: Printing: Printer: 24 January, 2007 75c (280,000) Thomas Ryan RHA Paul Raftery 29.79mm x 40.64mm Multicolour with phosphor tagging Sheetlets of 16 14 x 15 Process Lithography Irish Security Stamp Printing Ltd.

Product Code 070175SH Price E12.00

Product Code 0701FDC Price E1.75

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LUKE WADDING
350th Anniversary of the Death of Luke Wadding Born in Waterford in 1588, Luke Wadding studied in Lisbon and Coimbra, Portugal before entering the Franciscan Order. Ordained in Portugal in 1613, he became President of the Irish College, Salamanca in 1617. In 1618, he went to Rome, as Theologian to the Spanish mission sent to promote the dogma of the Immaculate Conception and remained there for the remainder of his life. Under Father Waddings inuence, Irish Franciscan Colleges were established in Prague, Czech Republic (1629), Vielun, Poland (1645), Paris, France (1653) and Capranica, Italy (1656). A prolic writer, he published thirty-one books and Annales Minorum, a monumental history of the Franciscan Order, in eight volumes. This won him an International reputation. Despite petitions to the Pope to make him a Cardinal, it was Waddings wish to remain a simple priest. He died in Rome in 1657. An Post have now issued a 75c stamp based on a specially commissioned drawing of Luke Wadding OFM by Thomas Ryan RHA. The stamp is a truly tting remembrance of a scholar and distinguished Statesman of the Catholic Church. A stunning FDC, designed by Thomas Ryan is also available for this issue. A stamp was previously issued in 1957 to commemorate the 300th Anniversary of the death of Father Luke Wadding.

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Technical details
Date of Issue: Value & Quantity: Illustration: Design: Stamp Size: Colour: 24 January, 2007 75c (280,000) Thomas Ryan RHA Steve Simpson 29.79mm x 40.64mm Multicolour with phosphor tagging Sheetlets of 16 14 x 15 Process Lithography Irish Security Stamp Printing Ltd.

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Product Code 070275SH Price E12.00 Product Code 0702FDC Price E1.75

Make-up: Perforations: Printing: Printer:

FACT
* One of the oldest Universities in Europe, the University of Coimbra was founded in 1290.

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COMMEMORATIVE
A review of the commemorative cancellations for 2006 appears on these pages. Collectors please note that these cancellations were only available at the time of issue. However, a complete set of First Day Covers is now available to buy featuring these cancellations. Please see page 23 for further details on the 2006 FDC Collection.

The Cope

Love/Greetings 2006

St. Patricks Day 2006

Flora & Fauna - Trees

Harry Clarke

1916 Easter Rising

Europa 2006

EU Flag

150th Anniversary of The University Church

Celtic Scholars

TG4/The Gaeltacht

Centenary - Rosslare/Fishguard

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CANCELLATIONS 2006

Battle of the Somme

Irish Guide Dogs

The Ryder Cup 2006 - Part 1 Ronnie Delany

Michael Cusack

Michael Davitt

National Concert Hall

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Inland Waterways

Irish Music

Christmas 2006

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The Ryder Cup 2006 Lenticulars - Part 2

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WEDDINGS
For those who choose to formally tie the knot it is a big day indeed. For women and men, getting married in a religious or civil ceremony, this is often seen as the nal step in a courtship and the rst step to a lifelong relationship. There were 20,723 marriages in Ireland last year. Some were, no doubt, extravagant affairs, others would have been simple, but most would have observed many time honoured traditions. In Dublin and other parts of the country a grushie still takes place outside the house of the bride and also the groom. A grushie is a handful of coins thrown to the children who have usually gathered outside to watch the emerging bride. Children scamper away and compete for the thrown money. But this tradition is a very old one - its purpose was to ensure that the children did not get run over by the wheels of the horse drawn wedding coaches. This year we have moved away from the usual Love Stamp to our new Weddings Stamp. Symbolising the unity and commitment of marriage, the stamp photographically depicts the entwined hand of a bride and groom on their wedding day. The realism and simplicity of the image, designed by Q Design, is a universal visual which is unambiguously associated with love and marriage. The Wedding Stamp is only available in a self-adhesive booklet of ten stamps and as a self-adhesive pair for Collectors. A FDC is also available for this issue. The Wedding Stamp is denominated at the National Rate or N Rate and is currently at 48c. The booklet of ten stamps are also N Rate and currently valued at E4.80. The N Rate means that if the National Rate changes, these stamps will then automatically be re-valued at the new National Rate, whatever that may be. These stamps are sure to create enormous interest, so please be sure to order early and avoid disappointment.

Product Code 0703FDC Price E1.48

Product Code 0703SASBK Price E4.80

Technical details
Date of Issue: 26 January, 2007 Values & Quantities: National Rate (1m) Strip of 2 x N rate (25,000) Photography: Design: Stamp Size: Colour: Make-up: Perforations: Printing Process: Printer: Icon Photography Q Design 26mm x 37.5mm Multicolour with phosphor tagging Booklets of 10 Collectors strips of 2 17.5 x 18 Lithography Australia Post Sprintpak

INTERESTING STATISTICS
* Todays median age for rst-time brides is 27 years. For grooms, its 29 years. The average number of wedding guests is 165. * In * 1997, 15,631 couples got married. This has risen to 20,723 in 2005.

www.irishstamps.ie

GREETINGS
Light-hearted and Whimsical - The new 2007 Greetings Stamps
This year the An Post Greetings Stamps feature light-hearted, colourful images of a stylized birthday cake and a cartoon graphic of a fun stamp with a big heart! Both of these stamps will really brighten up your letters and cards and add that little zing to your greetings! Designed to compliment the exchange of greetings associated with any celebratory event or occasion, the stamps are available in a Greetings Booklet containing ten self-adhesive stamps and labels. For Collectors, we also have a self-adhesive pair and a First Day Cover available. Both of the stamps and the First Day Cover were designed by Steve Simpson who has previously designed many stamps and First Day Covers for An Post. Just like the Weddings Stamps, the Greetings stamps will be denominated at N Rate which is the National Rate, currently at 48c. The booklet of ten stamps are also N Rate and are currently valued at E4.80. The N Rate means that if the National Rate changes these stamps will then automatically be re-valued at the new National Rate, whatever that may be. This Greetings issue is sure to be a much sought-after one - so be sure to place your order now!

Product Code 0704SAS Price E0.96

Product Code 0704GBK Price E4.80

Technical details
Date of Issue: 26 January, 2007 Values & Quantities: National Rate (1m) Strip of 2 x N rate (25,000) Design: Stamp Size: Colour: Steve Simpson 25mm x 30mm Multicolour with phosphor tagging Booklets of 10 Collectors Strips of 2 18 x 17.78 Process Lithography Australia Post Sprintpak

Product Code 0704FDCGT Price E1.96

Make-up: Perforations: Printing: Printer:

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MY COLLECTION
My Collection - Irish First Day of Issue Stamps by Mark Mitchell
I started collecting stamps when I was ten years old. I used to buy packets of stamps through mail order ads in UK comics and this is how I set about building up my collection. In 1969 you had to personally go to the Post Ofce with your FDC, buy the newly issued stamps, stick them on carefully and then hand them in over the counter, before anxiously waiting for the postman to arrive the following morning with the cover bearing the words: First Day of Issue/L a Chad Eisina. It was a proud moment when I received my rst First Day Cover: a stamp depicting Mahatma Gandhi. In time, I discovered the various stamp shops around Dublin, and while continuing to expand my collection with the latest FDCs from the Department of Posts & Telegraphs (as An Post & Eircom were known at the time), I set about purchasing back issues of FDCs sporadically, something which I continue to do to this day. I thoroughly enjoy locating additional FDCs for my collection at stamp fairs (I am a regular visitor to STAMPA). As has been stated by previous guest contributors to Collectors News, I believe Irelands stamp designers rank among the nest in the world, and artists and designers such as Ger Garland and Robert Ballagh are just two examples. The design of the actual First Day Covers has improved enormously since their introduction in 1923 (the earliest printed First Day Postcard I am aware of was the 2 d denitive which

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BY MARK MITCHELL
was issued on September 7, 1923). Indeed it was not until the 1930s that the rst printed or illustrated FDCs were occasionally used. The rst printed FDC to be produced in quantity (tiny quantities by modern standards) was for the 1934 GAA set. The cachet First Day of Issue/ L a Chad Eisina was rst applied to a FDC in Ireland on the Mangan issue of December 5th 1949. Since then the design of First Day Covers has become, in my opinion, an art form, and there have been many superb examples of this. One of my favourites is the Rock Stars issue of 2002, which were designed by James Laffan/D5 Design. Apart from the excellent individual stamps for Phil Lynott, Rory Gallagher, Van Morrison and U2, there were the wonderful miniature sheets, the superb Presentation Packs and, of course, the outstanding FDCs, which appealed to many music fans worldwide as well as traditional stamp collectors. There is a signicant amount of history attached to stamps, and Ireland is no different to any other country in this respect. An example of this is the series of 8 stamps, which was the largest number of commemorative stamps issued in one single issue and was issued in 1966 to commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising. An Post has produced some wonderful First Day Covers for Joint Issues with other countries, such as Canada - Biosphere Reserves, Sweden - Irish Nobel Literary Laureates and the US - James Hoban. And nally, my favourite FDC is the one produced for the Shackleton Antarctic Expedition stamps, which were issued in 2004. The stamps were designed by Ger Garland and based on the superb photographs taken by the Australian Frank Hurley, who was the ofcial photographer for the expedition of 1914 - 1917. The covers are works of art themselves, as are the stamps, miniature sheet and the Prestige Booklet. They vividly capture the spirit of the Antarctic, and ttingly include details of the Unsung Hero, Tom Crean.

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CHINESE YEAR OF THE PIG

2007, Year of the Pig Chinese astrology operates on a 12 year cycle of animals. Unlike the more familiar Western Zodiac, the Chinese Zodiac does not have any representative stellar constellations. Instead, Chinese fortune - telling, is derived from a returning cycle of years to which familiar animals are assigned.

Product Code 070575 Price E0.75

A D EISINA

2007 is the Year of the Pig. People born under this sign are said to be courageous, tenacious and to possess honest temperaments. They tend to have few friends, but those they do befriend will have a loyal friend for life. Those born in the Year of the Pig are studious, very well informed and quietly condent. If there is a down-side to this sign, it is that Pig people are said to have a bit of a quick temper and tend to be impulsive. In terms of compatibility with other Chinese Astrological signs, people born in the Year of the Pig are most in tune with those born in the Year of the Rabbit.

Technical details
Date of Issue: Values & Quantities: 9 February 2007 75c (280,000) E2.25 Mini-sheet (40,000) Mr Hu Zhenyuan China Postage Stamp Printing Bureau
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Typography & Layout: Steve Simpson Stamp Size: 40.64mm x 29.79mm

Miniature Sheet Size: 130mm x 74mm Colour: Make-up: Perforations: Printing Process: Printer: Multicolour with phosphor tagging Sheetlets of 16 15 x 14 Lithography Irish Security Stamp Printing Ltd.

Product Code 0705FDC Price E1.75

FACT * The animal signs also serve as a useful social function for nding out peoples ages. Instead of asking directly how old a person is, The Chinese often ask what is his or her animal years, and with a bit of common sense, we can deduce the exact age.

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CHINESE YEAR OF THE PIG

In order to capture the essence of the Chinese New Year, Mr Hu Zhenyuan from the China Postage Stamp Printing Bureau was specially commissioned by An Post to design a stamp depicting the Year of the Pig. Mr Zhenyuans design features a sharply dened graphic of two authentic Chinese pigs, this stamp is printed with a green background but will also be available with a red background on the specially designed Year of the Pig Minisheet Lunar Pane, which was also designed by Mr Hu Zhenyuan, China Postage Stamp Printing Bureau. The stamp and Minisheet Lunar Pane are both wonderful examples of authentic Chinese art on an Irish stamp. Two First Day Covers were also specially designed by Mr Zhenyuan for this issue and are available to purchase now from www.irishstamps.ie, on the order form attached or by calling 00353 (1) 705 7400.

Product Code 0705MS Price E2.25

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Product Code 070575SH Price E12.00

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ST. PATRICKS DAY 2007

St. Patrick. A Global Persona. A National Icon
From New York to Tokyo, from Buenos Aires to Vancouver, in cities all over the world the 17 of March becomes a day of festivities. Considering the fact that parades and parties in honour of Saint Patrick are a global affair, it could be safely said that we are the only nation to have exported a celebration. Quite an achievement for a man who was, by contemporary accounts, considered to be quite self-effacing and humble. While his life and times have been only sporadically documented, his legacy was truly astounding. St. Patrick was the initiator of a monastic tradition which spread throughout Europe and helped consolidate the Christian ethos and engender a love of learning in a time most commonly referred to as the Dark Ages. The priests and monks that followed in his footsteps originated and also copied great religious manuscripts, and by so doing they preserved the light of intellect and spirituality that had been dimming since the fall of Rome. The 2007 St. Patricks Day stamp features a beautifully simple image of a shamrock in its natural habitat. A dening symbol of Ireland, the shamrock is depicted in a natural and unadorned setting with a high degree of botanical clarity. Designed by Ger Garland, this stamp presents the shamrock as a contemporary emblem while reminding us of its eco-system. There will also be a St. Patricks Day First Day Cover available for this issue.

Product Code 070675 Price E0.75

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Technical details
Date of Issue: Value & Quantity: Design: Stamp Size: Colour: Make-up: Perforations: Printing: Printer: 9 February, 2007 75c (280,000) Ger Garland 36mm x 36mm Multicolour with phosphor tagging Sheetlets of 16 13.5 x 13.5 Process Lithography Irish Security Stamp Printing Ltd.

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FACT * St. Patrick used the plant to illustrate the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, the shamrock is considered a lucky charm, not only by the Irish but by many other worldl cultures.

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An Post Van Set

Product Code: 03VANSET Price: @60.00

An ofcial limited edition collection of ve An Post Model Vehicles is available to purchase from the Philatelic Shop, GPO, Dublin 1. The vehicles featured, which measure 80mm x 30mm approx. are, the Model T Ford, Horse Drawn Vehicle, Anglia Van, Transit Bus and VW Transporter. Each of these vehicles featured in the eet over the years and has its own legitimate Fleet Number. The collection is contained in a superb presentation box set. A card showing an illustration of the General Post Ofce sits on top of a foam underlay. The models are housed in ve cut-outs making for a delightful set. The collection is limited to 2,500 sets with each one being certicated and individually numbered.

This limited edition collection costs E60 (postage E4.50 within Ireland and E5.40 rest of the world) and is a must-buy for model enthusiasts and collectors alike. Available now from the Philatelic Shop, GPO, Dublin 1, 00353 (1) 705 7400 or online at www.irishstamps.ie.

FLIGHT OF THE EARLS

The 400th Anniversary of the Flight of the Earls Towards the end of the sixteenth century, when the Tudor Conquest of Ireland effectively subdued Leinster, Munster and Connaught, the Gaelic Chiefs of Ulster began to feel threatened. This heralded the beginning of the Nine Years War, and the most signicant Irish rebellion since the Anglo-Norman invasion.

Product Code 070748ST Price E0.96

The Coats of Arms of Hugh ONeill, Earl of Tyrone, and Rory O Donnell, Earl of Tyrconnell, seen on our FDC, are taken from the contemporary register in the Ofce of the Chief Herald of Herald, courtesy of the National Library of Ireland.

Hugh ONeill formed an alliance with Rory ODonnell and other Northern Chiefs, and urged the Irish to unite and ght for the Catholic Faith and the restoration of Gaelic institutions. Signicant victories for ONeill at Clontibret (1595) and the Yellow Ford (1598) completely changed the complexion of the war, as the repression of Ulster became imperative to the maintenance of English power in Ireland. In September 1601 the long-awaited Spanish forces landed at Kinsale. Despite years of military success they were inexperienced in formal battle and the Irish and Spanish troops were defeated by the English at the Battle of Kinsale. Ulster was subdued and the war ended with ONeills submission in 1603. This symbolised the end of the Gaelic lordship and the beginning of a new period of English domination of Ireland. With the signing of the Treaty of Mellifont in 1603, the policy of establishing new English colonies in Ireland resumed. The progress of these changes precipitated a crisis. Hugh ONeill and Rory ODonnell became dissatised at the steady decline in their inuence. In addition, the possibility of their arrest on charges of treason led to their decision to ee the country. A ship arrived in Lough Swilly and the two Earls and some 100 followers embarked in September 1607, and arrived in Rome in April 1608.

Technical details
FLIGHT OF THE EARLS STAMP Date of Issue: Values & Quantities: 23 February, 2007 2 x 48c Se-tenant (410,000)

Research & Illustration: Sen Brgin Typography & Layout: Steve Simpson Stamp Size: Colour: Make-up: Perforations: Printing: Printer: 29.79mm x 40.64mm Multicolour with phosphor tagging Sheetlets of 16 14 x 15 Process Lithography Irish Security Stamp Printing Ltd.

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Product Code 0707FDC Price E1.96

FLIGHT OF THE EARLS

With its tragic and romantic connotations, the Flight of the Earls is considered to be one of the most pivotal events in Irish history, the impact of which remains relevant to the political dynamic of Ulster to the present day. The Flight of the Earls was among the topics featured in the Millennium 2000 Stamp Programme, commemorating Irish Historic Events. An Post is honouring the anniversary of this hugely signicant historic event with the issue of a Se-tenant pair with original illustrations by Sen Brgin, featuring Hugh ONeill, Earl of Tyrone, and Rory ODonnell, Earl of Tyrconnell as they take a ship out of Rathmullan in Lough Swilly. The Flight of the Earls Minisheet features the full colour Se-tenant pair of stamps seamlessly inserted into the complete original artwork illustration by Sen Brgin. This original artwork depicts Hugh ONeill and Rory ODonnell along with rowers in a ship departing from Lough Swilly. As we are so delighted with the quality of the complete illustration and to reward Collectors of Irish Stamps, we are pleased to offer, completely FREE of charge, a bonus souvenir print of this illustration to all Collectors who purchase the Flight of the Earls Minisheet. The bonus print features the full artwork commissioned for the minisheet as drawn by the artist, it is the same size as the minisheet itself and has the Se-tenant artwork without the 48c denomination.

Technical details
FLIGHT OF THE EARLS MINISHEET Date of Issue: Value & Quantity: Design: Size: Colour: Perforations: Printing Process: Printer: 23 February, 2007 96c (35,000) Sen Brgin 150mm x 90mm Multicolour with phosphor tagging 14 x 15 Lithography Irish Security Stamp Printing Ltd.

Product Code 0707MS Price E0.96

Product Code 0707FDCMS Price E1.96 Mr. Sen Brgin, designer for the Flight of the Earls issue, has very kindly agreed to sign First Day Covers on the Day of Issue, 23 February, in the Philatelic Shop, GPO, OConnell Street, Dublin 1, between 1pm to 2pm.

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TIME FOR ANOTHER WORLD TOUR

Irish music has been travelling the world for years, and 2006 was no exception with the issue of this unique set of postage stamps depicting some of the countrys nest musicians, The Chieftains, The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem, Altan and the inimitable Dubliners. Also available is a 22 page Prestige Stamp Booklet for E10. Order your stamps and Prestige Stamp Booklets from www.irishstamps.ie or call 00353 (1) 705 7400 or visit the Philatelic Shop, GPO, Dublin 1.

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STAMP PROGRAMME 2007

ISSUE DATE
24 January 1 26 January Weddings Greetings 9 February 9 February 23 February 9 March 22 March 20 April
9 May 23 May 28 May 6 June 13 June 20 June

DESCRIPTION

STAMPS

1 2 1 1

Chinese Year of the Pig

400th Anniversary of the Flight of the Earls Ireland Series - Castles 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome The Planets Europa - 100 Years of Scouting Canonisation of Blessed Charles RTE Performing Groups 150th Anniv. Archaeological Discoveries San Clemente, Rome - Tomb of St Cyril (Jt issue with Greece) Irelands Viking Heritage - Skuldulev ( II ) Celtic Cats 400th Anniversary Society of Kings Inns Centenary of the National Anthem

2 4 1 4 2 1 5 2 2 4 1 1

10 July 17 July

27 August 7 September 15 September 22 September 13 October 8 November 15 November 15 November

150th Anniversary Natural History Museum Rugby World Cup Bicentenary birth of James Fintan Lalor 300th Anniversary of the Registry of Deeds Irish Music Part 2 Christmas 2007 50th Anniversary IPA 300th Anniversary of the birth of Charles Wesley

1 2 1 1 4 3 1 1

This programme is subject to change.

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BELGICA 2006 & MONACO PHIL 2006 INTERNATIONAL PHILATELIC EXHIBITIONS

Overprints of the Irish music minisheets were produced for both of these exhibitions and Collectors News readers can now purchase these rare minisheet issues, representing an exclusive chance to add a truly remarkable minisheet to your collection. Priced at just e2.46, demand is sure to be high, so place your order now by sending the order form to the Philatelic Bureau, GPO, Dublin 1, or by calling 01 7057400 or online at www.irishstamps.ie

Product Code 0624MSB Price E2.46

Belgica 2006 - Minisheet Overprint An overprint of the Irish Music Minisheet was specially produced for the Belgica 2006 Philatelic Exhibition which was held in Brussels from 16 - 20 November 2006.

Product Code 0624MSM Price E2.46

Monaco Phil 2006 - Minisheet Overprint An overprint of the Irish Music Minisheet was specially produced for the Monaco Phil 2006 Philatelic Exhibition which was held in Fontvieille, Monaco from 1 - 3 December 2006.

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2007 COIN SET

2007 ANNUAL MINT SET
The 2007 Coin Set for Ireland is the fth in the Heritage Sites of Ireland series features the spectacular Dn Aonghasa, Aran Islands.

Product Code 07Coin Price E22.00

DN AONGHASA Dn Aonghasa (the fort of Aonghus), is a spectacular stone fort sited on the highest point of the cliffs of the southern coastline of Inishmore. It dates back over two and a half thousand years and commands an unrestricted view down the west coast of Ireland. Dn Aonghasa is one of the most important and distinctive ancient sites of Ireland. First enclosed c.1100BC the hill fort covers an area of 5.7 hectares and is divided into an outer, middle and inner enclosure by three curvilinear walls terminating at the cliff. At the heart of the fort, situated right on the cliff edge is a rock platform, which formed the focal point in the rituals and lives of those who dwelt there. Outside the middle enclosure is a broad band of chevaux de frise (closely-set stone pillars), a deterrent to would-be invaders and even today it is difcult to negotiate. THE ARAN ISLANDS Situated on the west coast of Ireland, at the very edge of Europe, are three Islands rich in the language, culture and heritage of Ireland and unique in their geology and archaeology. The largest island is Inishmore, the middle and second largest is Inishmaan and the smallest and most eastern is Inisheer. A land of patchwork elds, weathered monuments and sheer cliffs, the Islands have an abundance of wildlife and over 400 varieties of wild owers. Irish is the spoken language on all three islands.

Priced at just E22, these sets are sure to be as popular as last years Annual Mint Set. This year quantities are limited, so get your order in early to guarantee your set. You can order now in the Philatelic Shop, GPO, O Connell St., Dublin 1, using the order form attached, or by calling 00353 (1) 705 7400. Coins are dispatched by Registered Post and the appropriate fee applies.

www.irishstamps.ie

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IRISH YEAR BOOK AND PACK

Product Code 06YB Price E55.00

Product Code 06YP Price E32.00 Product Code 06YBS Price E160.00

2006 YEAR BOOK

A perennial favourite with Collectors the world over, the 2006 Year Book Complete Prestige Collection is now available from Irish Stamps. It features our entire collection of special and commemorative stamps from 2006 (including minisheets), and it also contains our two most innovative issues ever: Irelands rst Braille stamp, and Irelands rst lenticular stamps. This is a truly fascinating collection, combining a high degree of visual sophistication with both informative and topical subject matter. It is also the ideal way to capture all our 2006 issues in one, high-quality book. Whats more, the Year Book is available in two attractive formats; Standard Hardback Edition e55, Luxury Leather-bound Hardback e160.

COMMEMORATIVE STAMP COLLECTION 2006 YEAR PACK

Our Commemorative Stamp Collection is available in a Year Pack format, containing all of our issues from 2006. This has been a particularly noteworthy year for Irish Stamps, featuring Irelands rst Braille stamp and rst lenticular stamps, as well as our issue marking the success of Irelands hosting of the Ryder Cup. Priced at e32.00, it is the perfect gift and is now available by visiting www.irishstamps.ie, or by using the order form attached.

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www.irishstamps.ie

The set includes every Irish Stamps commemorative FDC issue for 2006, including the revolutionary lenticular Ryder Cup FDC, as well as the innovative Braille stamp issued to celebrate Irelands Guide Dogs. Also included are our popular Ronnie Delany, Michael Davitt and Michael Cusack FDCs.
The First Day Cover collection contains 30 commemorative FDCs, and includes 5 FDCs with Minisheets. Priced at @60 and housed in an attractive cardboard presentation box, this collection is a great way to round up the full wealth of covers from the past year.

www.irishstamps.ie

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KEEP THE MEMORY ALIVE!

o iti ed

ed t i n im

Product Code: 0622F Price: E70.00

Ryder Cup Framed Memorabilia Mark the occasion of the Ryder Cup 2006 with this specially framed collection and create an impressive display for your home or ofce. Featuring the Mark of the Irish minisheet from our July 2006 issue along with our unique lenticular moving stamps and a selection of celebratory images from the event itself, this collection is a truly desirable memento of a great event. The frame measures 450mm x 300mm approximately. And at just E70, its a www.irishstamps.ie small price to pay for this wonderfully crafted piece of memorabilia.

An Post, Irish Philatelic Service, PO Box 1991, GPO, Dublin 1, Ireland.