COMMUNITY NOTES: ERRIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (JUNE 30 EDITION)
More than 250 post offices have closed in the last decade, and reflecting on the recent closure of Geesala Post Office, Councillor Gerry Coyle said, ‘It is a sad day in the village, as the Post Office in Geesala closes its doors.
Long before mobile phones and social media, the post office was a lifeline for people in rural Ireland, serving customers and ensuring a line of communication between those in the village and surrounding areas with their loved ones across seas or outside of the area. It was much more than just a post office; it was a place of social connection and interaction, often times the staff were the only contact someone may have for the day’.
‘Pat and his staff, Edel and Sheila, have done a wonderful job keeping the post office going after the sad passing of the genius who was Michael Henry, or as he was referred to in our house “howdy do dee”! We used to all be in awe at Michael’s ability to speedily add up the price of whatever your shop was, while informing you of the world’s current affairs, the GAA results and throwing in a cùpla focal gaeilge at the same time! Michael was the postmaster for 38 years without ever missing a day before his sad passing in 2018’.
‘It feels like only yesterday that telephone calls would come through the post office exchange, facilitated by the Henry family. The post office and those working there have served our community with dignity and compassion over the years. Wishing all the staff the very best in their future endeavours. Thanks for your kindness and assistance to all who came through the doors’.
‘The position of a postmaster was advertised but sadly was not fulfilled. Over the last few months, myself, Pat Gannon and An Post have liaised with a number of people in the hope that they might be interested in taking it on, but so far this has not been successful. I would have loved to have seen the Post Office taken over, but sadly that has not come to fruition at this time. However, if you, or anyone you know, think they could make a go of a post office in Geesala, I would 100% support your endeavours and help you in any way I can to directly communicate and work with An Post’.
‘For now at least, a chapter of history is closed and I for one am sad to see it closed’, concluded Cllr Coyle.
