merrion street

A new stamp marking the centenary of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) was unveiled today by Michael Ring, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport at the National Stadium, Dublin.

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.

 Unveiling the new stamp, the Minister 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.

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 14

), together with a special First Day Cover envelope, at

, at the new Irish Stamps Shop at the GPO, Dublin and by phone at (01) 705 7400.