A NEW postage stamp marking the establishment of the Irish Citizen Army will be issued tomorrow by An Post.
The 60c stamp – designed by Ger Garland - recognises the workers’ militia, which was formed by James Larkin, James Connolly and Jack White during the 1913 Lockout.
The Irish Citizen Army aimed to protect trade unionists from the violent tactics used by the Dublin Metropolitan Police to break up demonstrations.
Other prominent members included Constance Markievicz and Sean O’Casey.
White, a former British Army Captain, volunteered to train the Irish Citizen Army and he offered £50 towards the cost of shoes for workers so they would be able to train properly.
The Army was drilled in Croydon Park in Dublin’s Fairview.
When the Lockout ended in January 1914, the Irish Citizen Army underwent a complete re-organisation.
Connolly took over its direction in October 1914 and under his command, members participated in the 1916 Easter Rising alongside the Irish Volunteers.
Connolly and then Chief of Staff, Michael Mallin, were executed by the British Army for their role in the Rising.
The Irish Citizen Army was one of the first organisations to offer equal membership to both men and women and trained them all in handling weapons.
Its headquarters was the ITGWU union building, Liberty Hall and while membership was almost entirely Dublin-based, Connolly also set up branches in Tralee and Killarney.
The stamp features a photograph of Captain Jack White and the Irish Citizen Army at Croydon House in Dublin.
The first day cover – also designed by Garland - features an advertisement for the Irish Citizen Army.
They may be viewed or purchased at www.irishstamps.ie.
