Mayo medic features on new stamp celebrating women leaders in healthcare
NEW stamps celebrating Irish women medics past and present have been issued by An Post in time for International Women’s Day 2026.
This special collection recognises the pioneering achievements of women in medicine who have played a crucial role in improving health care standards for women throughout Ireland.
Among those honoured is Mayo native Dr. Kathleen Lynn (1874-1955), who in 1919 co-founded St. Ultan’s Infant Hospital, managed entirely by women.
The other three women featured are Dr. Emily Winifred Dickson (1866-1944), who in 1893 became the first woman Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland; Professor Rhona Mahony (contemporary), Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, and Fetal Medicine Specialist. From 2012-2018, she was the first woman Master of the National Maternity Hospital; and Professor Janice Walshe (contemporary), Consultant Medical Oncologist and National Principal Investigator for many international breast cancer trials.
Their efforts include advocacy for the inclusion of women in medical professions, championing female leadership in healthcare, and advancing the well-being of women since before the foundation of the State.
Following reform of the Medical Act in 1876, women in Ireland could become qualified medics. In 1877, the King and Queen’s College of Physicians in Ireland (now the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland) became the first institution in Britain and Ireland to allow women take licensing exams, followed in 1885 by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
Despite limited opportunities and widespread discrimination, women medics made great strides. In Ireland today, about 40% of doctors are women.
Designed by Oonagh Young of Design HQ, the stamps are in the hues of surgical scrubs, with black-and-white photographs of each medic and images evoking her medical speciality. Together with a special First Day Cover envelope, they are on sale at selected post offices and online at anpost.com/shop in the new ‘E’ rate for postage to the UK and Europe and ‘N’ rate, for postage within the island of Ireland.
Unveiling the stamps, Debbie Byrne, managing director of An Post Retail, said: “Ahead of International Women’s Day we are delighted to honour four women who have forged significant careers in medicine while also impacting the lives of women in Ireland through their work. An Post is committed to helping all colleagues achieve fulfilling and balanced working lives.
“By prioritising health, wellbeing, work conditions, and career development, the company has achieved a zero gender pay gap, with women actively contributing across the workforce. Ultimately, the ability of women to thrive in any industry depends on maintaining good health and wellbeing.”
Speaking at the launch, Professor Rhona Mahony said: “While there is much to be done, the last decades have seen huge advances in women and infants healthcare, and as clinical capabilities develop, new opportunities emerge to further enhance care. This is incredibly exciting as we face the clinical challenges of our time and look forward with hope.”
Professor Janice Walshe added: “Being featured on this stamp is an overwhelming honour. It has led me to reflect on the significant impact that women have made in healthcare, whether that be at the level of primary care in the community, hospital-based care or healthcare administration.
“The involvement of women in the most prominent roles in healthcare have evolved on the back of brave and visionary women, such as Emily Dickson and Kathleen Lynn, who declared our need to be at the table. May we continue to build on what we have accomplished and never accept a ceiling for our achievements.”