Kildare photographer's image of Chief Justice is on new stamp
A portrait of former Chief Justice of Ireland Susan Denham, taken by Naas-based photographer Tony G Murray is part of a new stamp collection.
An Post has unveiled a new stamp collection marking International Women’s Day
The honourable Ms Denham was also a Supreme Court judge.
Some years ago Mr Murray was commissioned to undertake a photoshoot at the Carlow Courthouse.
In attendance was the then Chief Justice , who was the first woman to hold this position, serving from 2011 to 2017.
“I asked if I could capture a portrait of her in front of the concrete pillars outside the building (and) pillars of justice came to mind.”
He added: “Many years later, in November 2022, I received a call from Paul Griffin, stamp design and production manager for An Post, asking for permission to use one of my images on a stamp. It would be one in an edition of four stamps that celebrate women who have made an indelible mark on Irish public life over the last 140 years.”
Paul and his team had been looking for a portrait of the Chief Justice and when they found Tony's portrait on Google, everyone agreed that it was their favourite.
It then had to be approved through the ranks of Government and by Ms Denham herself.
On Christmas week I received the great news that it would be used for the stamp collection.
Other newly launched stamps feature portraits of former President Mary Robinson, Jennie Wyse Power (1858-1941) and Thekla Beere (1901–1991).
Mr Murray attended the unveiling event Women in Public Life at the GPO recently and met with Susan Denham again.
The collection can be ordered on An Post's website.