Sean Lemass

Centenary of birth

On 29 April 1999 the Irish Post issued a stamp commemorating the centenary of birth of Sean Francis Lemass. He was born on 15 July 1899 and was educated in this city. In 1916 after joining the Irish Volunteers he fought for the freedom of Ireland from 1916 to 1922 when he was captured and interned. During his time in prison he devoted himself to learning as much as possible about economics and history. On his release he decided to enter politics.

Political career

He was a founder of the political party Fianna Fail. In Eamon de Valera's first government in March 1932 he was appointed Minister for Industry and Commerce. Up to June 1959 he held his portfolio in alle subsequent governments. In 1945 he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister. In 1959 he succeeded de Valera as Prime Minister. He worked hard to initiate cooperation with Northern ireland.
Sean Lemass and John Lynch, who succeeded him in 1966, both attempted to build up industry in order to reduce unemployment. They succeeded in increasing Irish exports.
Lemass received many honorary degrees and decorations. He resigned as Prime Minister in 1966 and died in Dublin on 11 May 1971.

Details of the stamp

Face Value: 30 p, sheets of 16 stamps (4 x 4)
Design: Jim McPartlin.
Perforation: 14 x 15.
Size of the stamp: 29.8 x 40.6 mm.
Printing process: Litography by Irish Security Stamp Printing Ltd.

More information

Postage Stamps 1999