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Stampa 2026 Palmares
The Stampa 2026 awards showcased an exceptionally high standard of competitive philately, postal history, thematic collecting, literature, and youth exhibits. The exhibition’s highest honour, the David Feldman Trophy for Best Exhibit in Show, was awarded to Karen McShane, whose exhibit achieved an outstanding 96 points and a Large Gold medal. The runner-up position went to Claus Pakmor for The Overprint Stamps of Ireland 1922-1935, which scored 92 points and earned both the Irish Overprint Trophy and the Jonathan Hanvey Shield.
The FPSI Trophy for Best One Frame Exhibit was awarded to Robert Benninghoff for The Irish Civil War: January 1922 to June 1923, another Large Gold exhibit scoring 92 points. Other notable special award winners included Alan Farrell, Brian Harmon, Jonathan Barkley, and Clem Hegarty, reflecting the breadth and quality of international and Irish philatelic research on display.
The literature section was equally competitive, with Ireland First Day Covers 1922 to 1972 by Willie Mackle and Philip Kane receiving a Large Gold medal with 94 points and the FAI Brian Warren Literature Award. Brian Callan’s British and Irish Telegraph Stamps 1851 to 1901 also achieved Large Gold status with 93 points. In youth philately, Tabitha Fox won the Youth Grand Award for The Norman Invasion of Ireland 1169 to 1219, scoring 92 points and a Large Gold medal. Overall, Stampa 2026 demonstrated the strength, diversity, and continuing vitality of philately across all classes.
Here is the full list and details of the Palmares 2026
The full Stampa Catalogue can be also found in the Library Section.
Irish Philately August 2026
The August 2026 edition of Irish Philately is now available in the IPC Library, together with the latest IPC Auction (2/26) catalogue. This issue continues the journal’s long-standing commitment to publishing original research, recording important philatelic discoveries, and highlighting the activities of collectors, exhibitors, and researchers across Ireland and beyond.
This edition features a particularly diverse range of articles covering Irish postal history, island postmarks, manuscript cancellations, military and wartime postal history, exhibition philately, first day covers, and international postal connections. Readers will find both detailed specialist research and accessible articles that demonstrate how philately can illuminate wider historical and cultural themes.
Among the highlights are Brian Callan and Lesley Roberts’ new series on Irish Island Postmarks, beginning with the islands of Donegal; Anthony Hughes’ comprehensive study of the postal history of Westmeath; Anders Joergensen’s investigation of the rare Scartaglin manuscript cancellation of 1929; and Karl Winkelmann’s examination of postal services during the Irish Civil War of 1922–23. The issue also includes articles on Canadian Fenian Raid postal history, the Norman invasion of Ireland as told through philatelic material, and Stan Challis’ continuing contributions on postal history and collecting.
The journal also reports on recent exhibition successes at Boston 2026 and the Minnesota Stamp Expo, together with preparations for STAMPA 2026, which promises to be one of the major events in the Irish philatelic calendar. Members will also find a review of the newly published First Day Covers of Ireland 1922–1972 by Willie Mackle and Philip Kane, a significant addition to Irish philatelic literature.
Complementing the journal is the IPC Auction (2/26), which closes on 30 September 2026. The auction offers more than 200 lots spanning Irish booklets, postal history, postcards, exhibition and STAMPA material, first day covers, postal stationery, and a wide range of collectible items from the nineteenth century through to modern issues. Together, the journal and auction provide an excellent snapshot of the breadth and vitality of Irish philately today.
Whether your interests lie in classic postal history, modern collecting, exhibiting, or specialised research, the August 2026 edition of Irish Philately and the accompanying IPC Auction offer something of interest for every collector.
Philip Kane. Digital Editor and Publisher – Irish Philatelic Circle.
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STAMPA 26 – Ireland’s Premier National Stamp Exhibition
10-12 September 2026
Griffith College Conference Centre, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
Opening Hours
- Thursday 10 September: 11:00am – 5:00pm
- Friday 11 September: 11:00am – 5:00pm
- Saturday 12 September: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Admission is FREE
Visitors can enjoy:
- Free car parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Catering facilities on-site
- Exclusive STAMPA souvenirs
- Illustrated covers with special daily cancellations
- Stamp dealers from Ireland and overseas
- Competitive exhibits from home and abroad
- A dedicated Youth Competition category
- An Post exhibition presence
For additional information visit www.stampa.ie.
Six Major Highlights of STAMPA26
1. Europa First Day Cover Stamp Launch
Be among the first collectors to experience the special Europa-themed First Day Cover launch, one of the centrepiece attractions of STAMPA26.
2. Irish First Day Cover Book Launch
A major new publication exploring Irish First Day Covers from 1922-1972 will be officially launched during the exhibition, offering collectors and researchers valuable new insights into Irish postal history.
3. Irish Revenue Stamp Archive Display
A special exhibition drawn from the Irish Revenue Stamp archives will showcase rarely seen material and provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore an important aspect of Irish philatelic history.
4. International Postc rossing Event
Join fellow collectors and postcard enthusiasts in a special Postcrossing initiative designed to connect participants across the globe through the exchange of postcards and postal culture.
5. Mental Health Matters Partnership
Returning for a second year, the successful collaboration between STAMPA, An Post and Mental Health Matters will feature a special postcard initiative supporting awareness and community engagement.
6. Championship Competition Exhibits
View competitive exhibits presented to international standards, judged by an experienced panel of Irish and international judges, including entries from both adult and youth exhibitors.
What to Expect
STAMPA26 brings together collectors, exhibitors, dealers, postal historians and philatelic societies for three days celebrating stamp collecting and postal heritage.
Visitors will have the opportunity to:
- Meet leading stamp dealers
- View award-winning exhibits
- Purchase exclusive souvenir products
- Obtain special exhibition cancellations
- Attend launches and featured events
- Discover collecting opportunities for all ages
Whether you are an established collector or completely new to the hobby, STAMPA26 offers something for everyone.
We look forward to welcoming you to Dublin this September.
An Post will be present throughout the exhibition.
More details: STAMPA Website
Irish Philately — April 2026
The April 2026 edition of Irish Philately is now available in the IPC Library. This issue continues the journal’s core role of documenting Irish philatelic research, society activity, and original studies across a broad range of interests.
Readers will find a varied selection of articles covering Irish postal history, rates, postmarks, postcards, and historically significant correspondence, alongside updates from within the wider Irish philatelic community. Several contributions focus on tightly defined pieces of research and individual items, continuing the IPC tradition of recording specialist material that might otherwise remain unpublished.
A significant feature of this edition is the inclusion of multiple tributes to Brian Warren, former Editor of Irish Philately and a central figure in Irish philately for more than five decades. These reflections acknowledge both his immense philatelic knowledge and his personal generosity to the community. For many members, Brian was not only a researcher and editor, but also a mentor, collaborator, and friend. His influence on Irish Philately, on IPC, and on Irish philatelic study more broadly is clearly reflected in the contributions within this issue.
The April edition also includes organisational news, exhibition updates, and commentary on current developments in Irish philately at home and overseas. While no single issue can cover every area in depth, this edition adds usefully to the IPC’s growing archive and complements material currently appearing in the April IPC Auction.
Digital Subscription – Encouraged
Members—particularly those based outside Ireland—are encouraged to consider a digital subscription where possible. Digital delivery:
- Provides immediate access to each issue via the IPC Library
- Eliminates postal delays
- Reduces printing and shipping costs
- Supports the long‑term sustainability of the IPC
Reducing physical distribution costs allows the society to continue investing in content, research, and digital infrastructure.
How to switch to digital
Members wishing to move to digital‑only delivery can do so by contacting the IPC via the membership email address, or by updating their preference when renewing. Support is available for anyone who needs assistance accessing the online Library.
This issue stands as both a continuation of IPC’s publishing work and a moment of reflection on the legacy of Brian Warren—a colleague, editor, and friend whose contribution to Irish philately will continue to be felt for many years to come.
—Philip
Publisher, Irish Philatelic Circle
MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS
Many thanks to all of you who have renewed your membership of the Irish Philatelic Circle 2026.
For those of you who have not yet renewed your membership, it is not too late.
· 20 euro Digital Membership (email address required)
· 30 euro Ireland (incl Northern Ireland)
· 35 euro (£32) GB, Channel Is., IOM, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and Netherlands
· 40 euro (US$45) Rest of the world (incl rest of Europe)
Payment by PayPal (Friends & Family) to ipcsubscription@gmail.com (This is our preferred method of payment)
Payment by Transfer
Bank Account “IRISH PHILATELIC CIRCLE”
AIB, Dundrum, Dublin 14
IBAN: IE23 AIBK 9331 2049 2050 70
BIC: AIBKIE2D
We can also process cheques and Credit/Debit Cards. See the Membership Subscription Form (attached) for more details.
I look forward to meeting those who can join us in person on the day. A zoom link will be sent to those members who have supplied an email address.
Every best wish,
Brian Callan (President, Irish Philatelic Circle)
The 2026 Membership form is now available online for printing and submission. Can all members complete this so we can add your email address to the membership section where you can then view over 50,000 pages of Irish Philatelic reference material as well as all of the latest news and upcoming events. All details on the membership application.
Please also remember when paying via PayPal to use the send to Friends option.
2026 IPC Membership application form
Dear Member,
We’re excited to announce the latest update to the Irish Philatelic Library, now featuring 1,500 publications across 23 sections, with over 60,000 pages of digitized philatelic content available exclusively to members of the Irish Philatelic Circle.
Library Highlights:
- Irish Philately (1960–2025): 260 issues – 9,100 pages
- The Revealer (Éire Philatelic Association): 318 issues – 7,950 pages
- Die Harfe (FAI Journal – Germany): 150 issues – 6,000 pages
- That Was The Year That Was Supplements: 23 publications – 800 pages
- Barry Cousins Irish Philately Compendiums, newsletters, exhibit frames, and much more
We’ve also added new sections including Exhibit Frames, Emerald Isle Philately, Auction Catalogues, and a powerful Postmark Master Index, with more arriving in upcoming monthly updates.
Everything is digitized, searchable, and curated with precision by our Digital Editor, Philip Kane.
Access it now through the Members’ Area at www.irishphil.com and explore the richest archive of Irish philately anywhere in the world.
Warm regards, The Irish Philatelic Circle Team
Two of Brian Warren’s articles are still available here for research. These regular articles will and are missed by all .
The Irish Post box 2023 Brian Warren IPC
Letter Boxes of Ireland 2000-B-Warren – The Letter Box Study Group
POSTBOX EXHIBIT AT GPO DUBLIN
Thanks to Stephen Ferguson of An Post, a display of post-boxes is currently on display at The Museum Café at the GPO in Dublin. Admission Free (you do not need to visit the 1916 Museum to visit the café). Make sure you drop in when next in the GPO. A special envelope and postmark marking the local societies visit to the exhibition is available from Brian Warren @ €8 incl. postage worldwide. Similar cover is available for the Spring Stamp & Coin Fair (theme 75th anniversary of the Republic) on 21 April – same price. Illustrations as shown below.
Iris an Phoist. – If anyone has of the Iris an Phoist publications that started in 1922 can you please let me know so I can put these up on in the Library. These were circulated to all of the post offices for decades so there has to be some around.
Does anyone have a comprehensive of all of the years that Eolaí an Phoist was published from 1923.
Email’s to mr.philipkane@outlook.com
Friday evening Chats and banter.
‘Members are encouraged to attend the regular Friday evening Skype meetings at which anything and everything Irish can get shown, often new acquisitions, new issues and material that the attendees are ’sorting out’. It is a good place to get your queries answered. Karl Winkelmann acts as ringmaster. Typically we have some 7-10 attendees. Timing is 8pm Irish (and UK) time, 9pm in France and Germany. Members in other countries should check their local time differences with Ireland. The Skype link is shown below. If you cannot get onto this please contact Karl Winkelmann
RECENT ARTICLES
The Provisional Government of Ireland 16 January 1922 by Robert Benninghoff
Provisional Government of Ireland 16 January 1922
Irish Women in Sport by Brian Warren
Irish Women In Sport
Telegraph Development in Ireland by Brian Callan
Telegraph Development in Ireland Part 1
100th Anniversary of the Liffey Swim – A Personal Odyssey by Anthony Hughes
Liffey Swim Anthony Hughes
