An Post issue stamp for centenary of rebel O’Donovan Rossa’s funeral

The centenary commemorations of a pivotal moment in Irish history continue today with the unveiling in Rosscarbery, Co Cork of An Post’s new 70c stamp, featuring a photograph of Pádraig Pearse delivering his historic oration at the graveside of Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa on August 1, 1915.

The veteran Fenian agitator died at the age of 85 in New York on June 29, 1915. His funeral, more than a month later, was built up by his comrades into a national event and was attended by a multitude as evidenced by the photographs and newsreel.

The speech at the graveside after the funeral is credited with lighting the fuse for the 1916 revolution.