New stamps featuring four famous Irish songs including U2’s “With or Without You” are to be issued by An Post, it was revealed yesterday.
Also included on the stamps are the Cranberries “Dreams” and “On Raglan Road” by Luke Kelly.
An Post stated that the iconic Irish songs are both a celebration of Irish identity and a connection to Irish culture.
In a statement the postal service said that the four stamps underscore the richness of Irish musical heritage and the songs’ origins ranging from 17th century musical airs, to rock music, poetry and folk ballads.
The stamps also feature the Irish favourite tune “Danny Boy” by the legendary tenor Count John McCormack.
Speaking at the launch in Dublin’s GPO, Debbie Byrne managing director of An Post Retail thanked the artists and their families for their help producing the stamps.
She said: “An Post acknowledges the cooperation of the many artists and their families, who we are representing on our Great Irish Songs stamps.
“The stamps are a celebration of creativity and of the power of song to tell important human stories, which are at once Irish and universal. We know these beautiful stamps will be popular with fans of music all over the world.”
The stamps are valid for both international (With or Without You and Danny Boy) and national (Dreams and On Raglan Road) postage.
An Post has also produced a limited edition set of four replica ‘7” single’ replica discs as souvenir items for collectors and music fans.
An Post will present the songs featured on the stamps in a special live performance in the GPO, curated by Other Voices.
The songs will be performed by an array of Irish musical and vocal talent including John Sheahan, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Glass House String Quartet, Declan O’Rourke, Wyvern Lingo, Jack O’Rourke, May Kay Geraghty and the Discovery Gospel Choir.
The Great Irish Songs stamps are available at post offices nationwide, online at www.irishstamps.ie and at the GPO Philatelic Bureau (01 7057400).
A limited edition souvenir box set of the stamps is also available online at www.irishstamps.ie or at Dublin’s GPO, Philatelic Bureau
