New Stamp from An Post Marks Centenary of the Death of Michael Cusack

22 August 2006

The 48c stamp features a painting of Cusack by Dr Thomas Ryan RHA, rendered in a portrait style with delicately applied colour and contrast.

A native Irish speaker, Michael Cusack (1847 – 1906) was    born in Carron, Co. Clare.  Originally a schoolteacher, he taught in Blackrock and Kilkenny colleges before founding his own highly successful academy in 1877.  An avid sports enthusiast and fine athlete in his own right, Cusack became disillusioned with the social exclusiveness of existing sporting bodies, and founded the Gaelic Athletic Association for the Preservation and Cultivation of National Pastimes (subsequently abbreviated to the GAA) in 1884 with the support of Maurice Davin, a renowned international athlete.

Cusack was also involved in the Irish language movement, and as well as editing the United Ireland newspaper he founded and co-edited The Celtic Times, devoted to native games, athletics and Irish culture.  Cusack became the first General Secretary of the GAA upon its formation and remained involved with the organisation throughout his life.  His memory was honoured by the GAA in 1938 with the opening of the Cusack Stand in Croke Park.

Designed by Q Design, the stamp and special First Day Cover are available from main Post Offices, GPO Dublin, by phone at 01 705 7400 and online at www.irishstamps.ie

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