Launch of IWA 50th Anniversary Stamp
On Wednesday the 8th September 2010, a commemorative stamp featuring the sole surviving founding member of the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA), Oliver Murphy from Drogheda, Co Louth and junior IWA member, Shane Barker aged 7 from Dublin, to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the IWA, was issued nationwide, by An Post at Dublin’s GPO.
The stamp, designed by Steve Simpson, features Oliver Murphy, the sole surviving founding member of the IWA and of the very first Irish team to participate in the Paralympic Games. Joining Oliver on the stamp is junior IWA member Shane Barker, a keen sports fan. Speaking at the launch Oliver said:
When we formed the IWA all those years ago, we never dreamt that from an initial four pound investment we would overcome many of the obstacles and issues which faced people with disabilities at the time. In the 1960’s many people with disabilities were confined to their homes or residential care. We were determined that our members could join mainstream activities and would be able to live independent and active lives. Today, most of our members live full and active lives, we have overcome adversity and are living proof that you can achieve and overcome any obstacle if you have the right positive attitude.
The 55cent stamp is available from post offices across the country. The stamp is also available up to one year from the date of issue by ordering through the Philatelic Bureau (Ordering Department) on Tel: 01 705 7400 or online at www.irishstamps.ie
