An Post stamp packs a punch!

Dublin, April 13th, 2011: A new stamp (see above attachment) marking the centenary of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association was unveiled by Michael Ring TD, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport at the National Stadium, Dublin today.

The new stamp features a striking action shot of boxers David Joyce of St Michael’s Boxing Club, Athy (in blue) and Stephen O’Reilly of Twin Towns Boxing Club, Ballybofey, Co Donegal, alongside the IABA crest.

The IABA is the governing body of amateur boxing in Ireland, with a presence in every one of the 32 counties. It has over 350 affiliated clubs, each with an average membership of about 25 boys and girls.

Unveiling the new stamp, Michael Ring TD, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport said “I am delighted to unveil this new stamp, marking 100 years of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association. This Association has a proud history and the coaching and management structures in place have contributed greatly to producing our world class talent. Everyone involved in the sport in Ireland can look back over the last ten decades (and our 12 Olympic medals) with an enormous sense of pride and achievement.”

Welcoming the new stamp IABA President, Tommy Murphy said “We are very proud to have the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association honoured with a commemorative stamp and we would like to thank An Post for this privilege. Since its foundation the Irish Amateur Boxing Association has evolved into Ireland’s most successful Olympic sport. Our athletes are proving that they can take on the best in the world and win and everyone involved with the sport in Ireland deserves enormous credit.”

Mr Barney Whelan, An Post Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs said that strong demand is expected for the new stamp from boxing enthusiasts and philatelists at home and abroad. “The IABA has led the way in enabling generations of dedicated sportspeople and volunteers to provide the facilities and encouragement for youngsters to develop their skills and fulfil their potential at every level of the sport,” he added.

When the National Stadium on Dublin’s South Circular Road opened in 1939, it was the first purpose-built boxing stadium anywhere in the world. Today, it continues as the Association’s HQ and the venue for national and international boxing matches.

Amateur boxing is a hugely successful sport in this country and so far, Ireland has won 12 Olympic medals for boxing, almost half the national tally. Ireland has produced many outstanding boxers, ensuring a consistently high ranking in world league tables.

The new stamp by Dublin’s Q Design may be viewed and purchased from tomorrow (April 14th), together with a special First Day Cover envelope, at www.irishstamps.ie, at the new Irish Stamps Shop at the GPO, Dublin and by phone at (01) 705 7400.

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