A new stamp to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Flight of the Earls has been released today.
Stamps featuring Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone and Rory O'Donnell, Earl of Tyrconnell
An Post announced it was issuing the stamps based on original illustrations by Sean O Brogain featuring Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, and Rory O'Donnell, Earl of Tyrconnell as they prepared to sail out of Rathmullan, Co Donegal.
"The Flight of the Earls commemoration marks the 400th anniversary of one of the most significant events and periods in Irish history," said the Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan, who unveiled the stamps.
"Along with being an event that represented a major turning point in the demise of the old Gaelic order and tradition in Ulster, it also has had a defining impact on the relationship between Ireland and continental Europe."
The unveiling of the stamps follows a Government announcement that it was to invest €1.25 million in events to record the historic event. Organisers of events from both the Republic and Northern Ireland can apply for the fund.