Two stamps were launched today to celebrate Ireland’s entrants in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
The 55c and 82c stamps depict the sports of rowing and shot-putt.
Artist Graham Knuttel was commissioned by An Post to design the series specifically to mark the Olympic Summer Games, which begin in three weeks time.
Minister for Arts and Sport, Martin Cullen, said Ireland has a proud tradition in Olympic and European sport and an equally proud tradition in the arts.
"It is fitting that we should celebrate the participation of our athletes at this year's games on our national stamps," he said. "These stamps honour the endeavours of our elite sportsmen and women - their skill, dedication, their commitment to representing Ireland abroad and their desire to be the best that they can be."
Ireland will be represented at the Olympics by 51 athletes in 12 sports - athletics, badminton, boxing, canoeing,
cycling, equestrian, fencing, rowing, sailing, shooting, swimming and triathlon.