Commemorative stamp of Laois pioneering aviator requested to An Post

An Post has been requested to issue a stamp to mark the 100th anniversary of the famous Laois educated Irishman who made aviation history.

Colonel James Fitzmaurice who grew up in Portlaoise, co-piloted the Bremen on the first ever East West transatlantic flight from Europe to America, in 1928.

The first stamp to be issued marking Col Fitzmaurice's achievement came out in 1988 on the 60th anniversary, priced at 32p and now a collector's item.

Laois County Council is to send a formal request for a stamp of the 100th anniversary stamp to An Post, proposed at the February 2025 council meeting.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Padraig Fleming said it is "a fantastic idea".

"They have to give three years' notice. We all know of Fitzmaurice Place in Portlaoise," he said.

Cllr Paddy Buggy proposed the approval.

"Laois has a strong history in the aviation industry. The first aeroplane flown in Ireland was built by the Aldritt brothers and Fitzmaurice was very familiar with the Aldritts as a child. Myself and yourself were in Bremen and invited them to Laois. We should at least look to have a stamp for the commemoration," he said.

The restored Portlaoise Plane built in the Aldritt's garage is planned to be pride of place in a new museum inside the Fort Protector in Portlaoise. 

Cllr James Kelly supported the stamp plan.

"Great work was done by Alan Phelan and Teddy Fennelly," he added.

An Post has told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that the programme is decided upon 2 years in advance.

“We are currently looking at 2027. An Post welcome stamp suggestions for the 2028 programme to stampideas@anpost.ie or in letter to An Post Stamp Design.”

Fitzmaurice Place garden in Portlaoise features a plane inspired sculpture commemorating the aviator's achievement. 

Last April, a wreath laying ceremony was held there on the 96th anniversary, by The Col James Fitzmaurice Commemoration Committee, joined by Brigadier General of the Irish Air Corps, Rory O’Connor, Laois County Council Chief Executive, John Mulholland, Cathaoirleach Pascal McEvoy, Laois Heritage Officer Thomas Carolan, elected representatives of Laois County Council, the Irish United Nations Veterans Association Post 27 Portlaoise Branch and Laois Heritage Society. See photos by Alf Harvey here.

Teddy Fennelly is a member of the committee.

"The Col. James Fitzmaurice group is spearheading plans to make the Centenary celebrations a huge national and international event. They will be working with Laois County Council, the Irish Air Corps, government departments and other interested parties as well as with people in the US and Germany in coordinating plans.