The composer of the Christmas carol Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Charles Wesley, is being celebrated in a new stamp from An Post marking the 300th anniversary of his birth.
The composer's older brother, John Wesley, founded Methodism and the teachings and practices of the brothers were instrumental in the birth of the Methodist tradition.
Wesley's devotional compositions provide "an enduring musical and spiritual legacy and to this day, his hymns are contemplated and celebrated by Christians across the world", An Post said.
Illustrator Steve Simpson based his design of the stamp on a painting of Wesley entitled The Lily Portrait, which hangs in Epworth Old Rectory in Lincolnshire, Wesley's home town.
The 78-cent stamp will cover airmail postage for up to 100g worldwide from Ireland. Stamps can be viewed and purchased on www.irishstamps.ie
With Christmas fast approaching, An Post also reminded children not to delay in writing to Santa Claus, so that he may send his replies before the holiday.
An Post delivers more than 100,000 letters to Santa from Irish children each Christmas season. Letters should be addressed to Santa Claus, North Pole, and should include the sender's name and address.
