Mayo post office closes after 120 years

By Caoimhín Rowland

FOR the first time in over 120 years, the village of Breaffy, Castlebar, will be without a post office.

Long-serving postmistress Patricia Curry began her deserved retirement yesterday.

Throughout the day customers popped by to wish her well and say thank you for her loyal service to the community.

Patricia’s final customer, Martin Heneghan, paid tribute to the Curry family’s service over the years.

“When I had major surgery a few years ago, my pension was brought right to my door,” he said. “They could never do enough for you. It’s a huge loss to the community.”

Martin, like many locals, will now travel outside of the village to Castlebar, Balla and Ballyvary for postal services.

Breaffy’s post office has long been a cornerstone of village life. For over a century, it was run by the Fahy family beside the school.

In 2001, Patricia Curry took over the role, continuing the family’s presence in local business.

Most customers are expected to transfer their accounts to nearby branches in Balla, Ballyvary or Castlebar.

Still, the closure is seen by many as more than just a logistical inconvenience. Local councillor Michael Kilcoyne described it as “yet another downgrading of services for rural communities,” particularly frustrating as Breaffy continues to grow in population.

The position of postmaster was advertised three times over a three-month period, but there were no enquiries, An Post confirmed.

* More on the story in Tuesday's print edition