A stamp to mark the centenary of a Co Donegal co-op was launched in Dungloe yesterday.
The 48 cent stamp marks the centenary of the Templecrone Co-operative Agricultural Society - better known as "The Cope" - which was opened in the Rosses area in 1906.
The stamp features a portrait of Paddy "the Cope" Gallagher, founder of Templecrone co-op, against a background photograph of the original store.
His grandson, Minister for the Marine Pat "the Cope" Gallagher, said he was delighted by An Post's gesture. The name "the Cope" has been handed down through the family since the co-op started.
He said the co-operative movement was tremendously important to the people of Donegal. "I am delighted that the first such movement in Donegal, founded by my grandfather Paddy 'the Cope', is now being commemorated by the launch of this stamp."
Established in 1906, "The Cope" was an early force in the Irish co-op movement. It became an important social fulcrum in the town, providing local employment and credit facilities at low interest rates. Today it employs some 120 people in the county and continues to play an important role in the local economy.