Westlife's Kian Egan has said it is an "amazing honour" to have An Post issue a limited edition stamp collection to mark the Irish group's 25th anniversary.
An Post unveiled the new stamps, which were designed by Shaughn McGrath Creative, who worked closely with the band, on Thursday to pay tribute to the boy band who have enjoyed huge success over the past two decades and a half.
Egan said he was not initially aware of the significance of the new run of stamps, saying: "It's not until your mother is ringing you up going 'oh my God, I can’t believe you’re on stamp’, that you realise how special it all is".
Speaking on Liveline on RTÉ Radio 1, he added that "it's brilliant" that after 25 years An Post would want to honour the group.
"It's crazy, but you know I suppose you try not to get carried away with it," he said.
Asked about using the new stamps to send cards this Christmas, he said: "I think I'll probably use the others boys rather than my own face."
"Hopefully I won't have to pay for any stamps," he joked.
On former Westlife member Brian McFadden being excluded from the collection, he said there is "no negatively between any of us".
McFadden, he said, was a "huge part of Westlife for the first five or six years", adding they have "fond memories of Brian being in the group".
But he added "that's just the way it is".
"He’s doing his thing and we’re doing ours," he said.
In a statement, Westlife said, "To have this recognition means the world to us. It is such an honour and privilege to be featured on Irish stamps and it is a very special way to commemorate our 25 years of Westlife touring together.
"We are so grateful to the fans who've supported us right from the very beginning and also a special mention and thank you to An Post too. See you on the envelopes! Love Kian, Mark, Nicky and Shane."
The collection features a booklet of four National Rate "N" stamps, each dedicated to one of the band members - Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne and Shane Filan – with their signature (80,000 booklets only).
There is also a €3.00 souvenir "band" stamp sheet, finished with premium gold foil for extra shine (strictly limited to 12,000 sheets), as well as A First Day Cover envelope (FDC) featuring exclusive Westlife photography and a special commemorative 'Sligo’ date stamp.
"An Post is proud to celebrate Westlife’s incredible journey with this special collection," said Aileen Mooney, Irish Stamps Manager, An Post
"These stamps are more than postage - they are a celebration of Irish culture, a keepsake for fans, and a lasting tribute to 25 years of Westlife."
The Westlife 25 Stamps are available here, with booklets also available in post offices nationwide, with An Post encouraging fans are advised to move fast, as "once they’re gone, they’re gone".
