BAND POST; Folk legends tribute in stamp collection.

Byline: By AINE HEGARTY

SOME of Ireland's best-loved musicians have been immortalised in a new collection of stamps.

Collectors can buy stamps celebrating four groups who've brought Irish music to a world-wide audience over the past four decades.

The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, The Dubliners, The Chieftains and Altan all feature on the limited edition stamps for Christmas.

An Post chairwoman Margaret McGinley said the new stamps were a tribute to the talent of the musicians who had helped make Irish music vibrant and popular all over the world.

She added: "Each stamp comprises a snapshot in time and depicts the group at a particular point in their own unique history.

"The fact that these groups continue to develop their music and to dazzle and delight their fans - is testament to their musical brilliance."

Mrs McGinley also paid tribute to those talented Irish musicians who have passed away.

She said: "Derek Bell of the Chieftains, Ciaran Bourke and Luke Kelly of the Dubliners, Brothers Paddy, Tom and Bobby Clancy and Frankie Kennedy of Altan left a rich and lasting legacy of music and lyrics."

Priced at E12, An Post is hoping it will be an ideal stocking filler this Christmas.

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