Local rugby star helps to launch IRFU anniversary stamp
Ballinasloe native rugby star Béibhinn Parsons is part of a campaign to launch a set of stamps to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).
An Post has unveiled two new stamps marking the anniversary. The stamp set comprises a national ‘N’ rate stamp for posting within the island of Ireland, and one ‘W’ rate stamp, for posting worldwide.
They feature action shots of professional and young club players to showcase the leadership of the IRFU in promoting Irish Rugby on a world stage and developing the game at home.
Béibhinn joined top adult player Josh van der Flier, as well as young club players Sam Kid and Charlotte Fleming, also from Ballinasloe, as part of the campaign.
Speaking at the unveiling of the stamps at the IRFU High Performance Centre in Dublin’s Sport Ireland Campus, Peter Quinn, CFO of An Post said: “An Post is delighted to release these special stamps to commemorate the IRFU’s 150th anniversary and the breadth of their work in developing the game.
"The stamps recognise a major milestone for rugby players and fans of all ages who contribute to Irish sporting life and who support the game from grassroots club to international level.”
Declan Madden, IRFU President, said: “The IRFU is delighted that these special 150th anniversary stamps will lead out Ireland’s national stamp programme for 2025. The stamps will carry such a positive message about Ireland’s sporting tradition, and Irish Rugby in particular.
"They will deliver this message to every part of our island and across the world. The stamps are a great tribute to all our national and club level players who have played our game over the last 150 years and to all those who have supported them on and off the pitch.”
The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) represents players on the island of Ireland. The 2024/25 season sees the IRFU marking 150 years of international rugby in Ireland.
Ireland has won the Men’s Grand Slam four times (the first time was against Wales in 1948) and the Triple Crown 13 times.
Ireland has won the Women’s Grand Slam once and the Triple Crown twice. Ireland has qualified for every men’s Rugby World Cup since the tournament first began in 1987.
The eye-catching stamps, and special First Day Cover envelope, all by Irish designers Unthink, are available at selected Post Offices nationwide and online at anpost.com/IRFU (with free delivery).