Kinnitty Post Office closes its doors for final time

Kinnitty lost both its post office and post mistress yesterday (Thursday) as Breda Byrne retired after 42 years providing postal services to the village.

Messages wishing Breda a happy retirement have been shared by wellwishers on social media, and a gathering was held at Giltraps pub after the doors were closed for the last time.

Councillor John Clendennen, who also resides in the village, posted a video online paying tribute to Breda. He brought his post office savings book, which was given to him on his birthday 41 years earlier, to get a final stamp from the Kinnitty Post Office.

In his post, he said “Breda’s dedication and unwavering support for Kinnitty and our broader community over the years has made a lasting impact.

Breda and the post office have been a cornerstone of our local community that goes far beyond each personal transaction whether it be stamps, stationery, gifts or toys.”

While Breda's well-earned retirement was celebrated, there was also sadness and disappointment that Kinnitty would no longer have a post office in the village.

Cllr Clendennen said “no stone was left unturned” in trying to retain an office there, and that while a public meeting was held in Kinnitty Community Centre on September 4 with over 130 people in attendance to find an alternative, it was ultimately unsuccessful.

He said “if a person and a premises” do come forward that wish to open a post office in the village, An Post has indicated that the service could be resumed.

For the moment, Kinnitty residents will have to access the services in either Crinkle or Birr, and a LocalLink service will be available from the village.

Cllr Clendennen emphasised that Kinnitty village has seen an increase in footfall in recent years, due to tourists availing of the mountain biking and walking trails that start there, so “there is an opportunity there to be seized”.