Mayo medic honoured on new An Post stamp celebrating women in healthcare

Mayo native Dr Kathleen Lynn is among four women recognised in the special An Post stamp collection series celebrating the achievements of Irish women who have played a key role in shaping healthcare and improving medical standards for women across the country.

Dr Kathleen Lynn (1874–1955) co-founded St Ultan’s Infant Hospital in 1919 — the first hospital in Ireland to be run entirely by women. Her work was instrumental in advancing healthcare for mothers and children during a time when opportunities for women in medicine were extremely limited.

Three other medics are also recognised in the collection. Dr Emily Winifred Dickson (1866–1944) became the first woman Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 1893. 

Contemporary figures honoured include Professor Rhona Mahony, a consultant obstetrician and former Master of the National Maternity Hospital from 2012 to 2018, and Professor Janice Walshe, a consultant oncologist and national principal investigator for numerous international breast cancer trials.

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The stamps highlight the role women have played in advancing healthcare and advocating for greater representation in the medical profession.

Women were first allowed to qualify as doctors in Ireland following reforms to the Medical Act in 1876. A year later, the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland became the first institution in Britain and Ireland to permit women to sit licensing examinations, followed by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 1885.

Despite facing discrimination and limited opportunities in the early years, women have made major strides in medicine. Today, women account for around 40 per cent of doctors in Ireland.

The stamps were designed by Oonagh Young of Design HQ and feature black-and-white photographs of each medic, combined with colours inspired by surgical scrubs and imagery linked to their medical specialties.

Unveiling the collection, An Post Retail managing director Debbie Byrne said the stamps recognise women who have made a lasting impact on healthcare in Ireland.

“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,” she said.

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Professor Mahony said the recognition reflects the progress made in healthcare for women and infants.

“While there is much to be done, the last decades have seen huge advances in women and infants healthcare,” she said.

Professor Walshe added that being featured in the collection was “an overwhelming honour”, noting the legacy of pioneers such as Kathleen Lynn and Emily Dickson who fought to ensure women had a place in the medical profession.

The stamps, along with a special First Day Cover envelope, are available at selected post offices and online through the An Post shop.