Margo Downes with her husband John and family. — Margo Downes Retires from Pallaskenry Post Office — Photo by Pat Madigan
Considering the impor-tance placed by the public on the presence of a local Post Office, a most unusual event took place in Pallaskenry Village on Wednesday afternoon 31st August.
There was applause and congratulations from the inhabitants of the village and surrounding areas at the closure of the local Post Office, which business had been in the possession of the Downes family for over two centuries. Extending from 1811 to 2016, it probably sets a record for such a business being in the possession of one family for such a lengthy period. The closure of the Post Office was celebrated by Pallaskenry Community Council making several presentations to Margo and the Downes family.
The chairman, Michael O’Sullivan welcomed all present, and in particular members of the Downes family, Audrey who has been assistant to Margo for a period, Emma from Pallasgreen and Raymond home from the U.S.A. He gave a run-through of the story of the Post Office, which was originally in a different premises in the village, and praised the dedication of Margo and family in their service to the people of Pallaskenry and also Kilcornan, who had lost their Post Office many years age.
Councillor Emmett O’Brien spoke and added his best wished to the Downes family, and spoke of the importance of the rural Post Office structure and urged everyone to support the Post Office facilities in keeping rural Ireland alive. Maeve Galvin, Ann O’Shea and Michael O’Sullivan made presentations on behalf of the Community Council.
Raymond Downes on behalf of the family expressed their appre-ciation for all the good wishe and gifts received over the past week, and stated his mother can now enjoy her favourite past time of long walks. Fortunately, the Post Office will continue in Pallaskenry, at a new location and will be run by the Hannon family.