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Donagh Cross on new stamp
04.05.10
A CARN monument has
achieved national recognition with the town’s most
famous landmark, the Donagh Cross, set to feature on
a stamp.
An original line drawing of the 7th Century
Inishowen cross is one of four across the country
chosen to adorn the new 55 cent An Post range.
Beautifully illustrated by artist Michael Craig, the
stamp clearly depicts the intricate biblical
carvings and interlacing Celtic art on the cross. It
also carries the words Carndonagh – Carn Domhnach.
The Donagh Cross was the first free-standing cross
of its type in the country. Previously crosses of
its nature were carved out of large stone slabs and
did not stand alone.
Overlooking Carndonagh Community School, the cross
emblazons the uniform of the students below.
Welcoming the news as a boost for Carn this week,
Mary McCallion, Inishowen Development Partnership,
said she was delighted.
“This is a welcome move for Inishowen and Carn in
particular. The cross is synonymous with Carn and it
is very dear to the people here. It is great to see
An Post recognising the value of local heritage,”
she said.
“Donagh Cross is a huge tourist attraction and the
new stamp will certainly help promote Carn in that
regard. It is a great tribute to all the people who
have helped keep the cross so well preserved over
the years.”
Local historian Sean Beattie was similarly upbeat. |
“I am delighted to see
the cross being given national recognition. Donagh
Cross is unique. Apart from being the most northerly
of the Irish High Crosses, it is the first of the
free-standing crosses in the country,” he said.
“It also belongs to a special network of crosses
often referred to as ‘The Northern Group’ but here
in Inishowen it is part of a very close family,
which includes Fahan, two at Carrowmore (Gleneely),
one at Cloncha and one at Moville. We could call
them the Inishowen Six.”
High Crosses are considered as one of Ireland’s
greatest contributions to art and culture in the
Middle Ages. Of the many that remain in Ireland some
of the most famous and best preserved examples are
featured in the new highly collectable stamp series. |
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As well as Carn Cross,
these include Drumcliffe Cross, Sligo, Ahenny Cross,
Tipperary and Monasterboice Cross in Louth.
The stamps are available at main Post Offices,
online at Our Ireland Series - High Crosses stamp
issue page, or from the GPO Philatelic Shop or by
calling 01 705 7400. For further information contact
Angus Laverty at An Post Communications, 01 7058852
or 087 6867024. |
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