New stamp bring back those sweet summer Donegal Gaeltacht days

A brace of new An Post stamps will surely bring back those halcyon days in the Donegal Gaeltacht when students came here to Donegal in their thousands to learn the Irish language and enjoy the beauty and romance of the Donegal countryside.

The two new stamps celebrate Coláistí Samhraidh, or the Gaeltacht or Irish College.

The N rate (National) stamps neatly coincide with most Irish colleges preparing to reopen after the pandemic forced their closure since 2019.   

Anna Gallagher, who is a Bean an Tí in Árainn Mhóir, spoke of her delight at the stamp issue and how she is looking forward to welcoming students back this summer:

“It’s great that An Post is recognising the Coláistí Samhraidh, and us as Mhná Tithe. It’s even nicer that we will be able to welcome the students after the long break.” 

Manus Ó Luaitháirí, principal of Coláiste Árainn Mhóir added:

“Coláiste Árainn Mhóir is delighted to welcome Gaeltacht students back to the island after two lonely summers. The stamps show the best parts of life at the Gaeltacht, and writing and receiving letters is an important part of life for students on our summer courses.  I look forward to seeing them on letters and parcels all summer long.” 

A summer trip to the Gaeltacht is a rite of passage in Irish life, and for many teens, marks their first trip away from home and parents.  More than 25,000 students will visit Coláistí Samhraidh in almost 40 locations this year.   The new stamps feature iconic objects associated with the Coláistí Samhraidh experience including bacon and cabbage, sport, music, céilí dancing, first loves, fón póca bans, changeable Irish weather and of course – writing and receiving letters! 

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin said ‘‘These 2 stamps are a wonderful way to mark the return of na Coláistí Samhraidh to in-person attendance this Summer.

A Summer spent sa Ghaeltacht being immersed in our language and culture is something that many of us, myself included, will have experienced in our youth. The stamps capture so well the nostalgic memories of attending the céilí, life without smart phones, making new friends, and nurturing an appreciation and understanding of our language as a thriving, evolving, living part of Irish life. The return of na Coláistí Samhraidh in 2022 is another indication of the progress we are making as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is my hope that this year’s scoláirí will relish in creating Gaeltacht memories for life.”  

Designed by Dublin-based firm, Detail, the two stamps which cover standard letter postage within the island of Ireland, and a special edition First Day Cover envelope are available in selected post offices, all Gaeltacht areas and online at www.anpost.com/siopa (with free delivery).