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An Post's anniversary tribute to Seamus Heaney is beautiful

For when you want to rest the squat pen between finger and thumb and, you know, write a letter…

AN POST TODAY released a special stamp and envelope to commemorate the first anniversary of Seamus Heaney’s death.

The Nobel Laureate died on 30 August last year, and to honour him, An Post has put out a 68c stamp, designed by Dublin-based Vermillion Design, featuring a black and white photograph of the beloved poet, taken by John Minihan.

In addition, a special First Day cover envelope was released today featuring excerpts from Heaney’s well-known 1969 poem Bogland, with some of his own poetry notes, provided by the National Library.

Seamus_Heaney_HR_68c An Post An Post

Reacting to An Post’s elegant tribute to his father, Michael Heaney released this statement today:

We are immensely moved that An Post has chosen to mark Dad’s memory with the issue of this stamp.
The year since he died has been a sad time for our family, but this is not only a wonderful testament to his life and work, but also a reminder of the generosity and support people have shown since Dad’s passing.

Heaney has already been honoured with an Irish stamp. In 2004, he was featured on a joint Irish-Swedish commemoration of Nobel laureates, along with Samuel Beckett, WB Yeats and GB Shaw.

Both the commemorative stamp and envelope are available to view and buy at all main post offices, the GPO Stamp Shop in Dublin, and online at IrishStamps.ie.

Heaney FDC68 An Post An Post

Read: Unpublished Heaney poems feature in new anthology>

The life and times of Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney in pictures>

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8 Comments
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    Mute Sheila Larkin
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    Aug 28th 2014, 2:25 PM

    Lovely

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    Mute Janet Coyle
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    Aug 28th 2014, 2:52 PM

    What a lovely tribute his family must b very proud x

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    Mute Aus Tereo
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    Aug 28th 2014, 2:35 PM

    What’s with all the Buzzfeed-esque headlines these days? I don’t need to be told how to feel thanks. Nearly as bad as the music in American TV shows to tell you if it’s a happy or sad moment.

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    Mute Michael Reilly
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    Aug 28th 2014, 7:43 PM

    Well done to An Post Philatelic staff.

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    Mute Eamonn O'Regan
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    Aug 28th 2014, 11:52 PM

    As a nation we seem to largely wallow and revel in vapid, inane mediocrity. Seamus Heaney, one of our truly great literary talents, is posthumously rewarded by a stamp issued in his honour. This is a deserved accolade and one that his family can be truly proud of.

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    Mute Rildo Olor
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    Aug 28th 2014, 9:13 PM

    Never liked Heaney there I said it

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    Mute Neal Ireland Hello
    Favourite Neal Ireland Hello
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    Aug 29th 2014, 8:52 AM

    What did he think of you?

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    Mute Rildo Olor
    Favourite Rildo Olor
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    Aug 30th 2014, 11:28 AM

    Nothing I’d imagine he did not no me

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