New stamps celebrate golfers' Ryder Cup roles

Four new stamps celebrating the contribution of Irish golfers to the Ryder Cup were launched today ahead of Ireland hosting the event next year.

Communications Minister Noel Dempsey unveiled the new stamps which feature some of Ireland’s most famous golfers including Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley and Christy O’Connor Senior.

Mr Dempsey said the globally-renowned golfing event, the Ryder Cup, had seen the participation of many Irish golfers since the event’s formal inception in 1927.

“It is only fitting that we take this opportunity to acknowledge and pay tribute to the enormous contribution that they have made to this great event down the years,” Mr Dempsey said.

“An Post, in their Commemorative Stamp Programme for 2005 and 2006 are paying tribute to the Ryder Cup and the great Irish golfers who have added so much to the competition.”

The winning team’s Irish trio of Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley were featured on a 48c stamp, holding aloft the 2002 Ryder Cup.

On that occasion McGinley’s 10 foot putt on the Belfry’s 18th green secured the Cup’s return to Europe.

A second 48c stamp features photographic portraits of Eamonn Darcy, Christy O’Connor Junior and Philip Walton.

Golfers Ronan Rafferty, Christy O’Connor Senior – who played in 10 consecutive Ryder Cup competitions – and the late Harry Bradshaw are displayed on a 60c stamp.

A 65c stamp shows a photograph of the K Club’s infamous 18th hole, designed by Arnold Palmer, with the clubhouse in the background.

A special booklet for golf lovers containing four of each new stamp alongside information about Ireland’s involvement in the Ryder Cup by golf writer Dermot Gilleece was also launched.

Richard Hills, the Ryder Cup Director, said Irish golfers had made an enormous contribution to Europe’s Ryder Cup cause down the years.

“These four new stamps will provide a lasting legacy of the 2006 Ryder Cup at the K Club to members of the public and collectors alike,” he added.

Margaret McGinley, An Post Chairwoman, said: “These new stamps speak volumes about Ireland and its people; our proud sporting tradition; our ability to compete with consummate skill at the very highest international level; the determination and prowess of our sports people; our fine tradition of hospitality and welcome and the relatively new spirit of confidence and self-belief that underscores Irish business, sporting and personal success.”

An Post said it expected strong interest in the stamps and special booklets from stamp collectors and golfing enthusiasts worldwide.

The new stamps and booklet, which costs €9.50, can be viewed or purchased at main post offices across the country.