By Eoin McGarvey
THE closure of Annagry Post Office on Friday afternoon marks the end of an era in the village and has left a deep sense of loss and sadness in the community.
For generations, the post office has been far more than a place to collect pensions, send parcels, or pay bills. It has been a meeting place, a source of reassurance, and a familiar part of daily life for so many people.
Annagry has had a post office for over 100 years, first through the Duffy and McGinley (Dora) families and in later years run by Breid McCole.
Very emotional customers, young and old, came through the door for the last time on Friday to pay tribute to Breid and her staff.
The closing of the door represents the loss of an essential local service, but also the end of a chapter in the village’s history. Rural post offices are at the heart of communities, providing not only practical services but also a welcoming face and a listening ear, especially for older residents and those who value the personal connections that cannot be replaced.
Alan McLaughlin, Regional Retail Manager with An Post, making a presentation to retiring Annagry postmistress Breid McCole.
At the centre of that service for the past 14 years has been Breid McCole and her dedicated staff. Their professionalism, kindness, and unwavering commitment have earned them the respect and gratitude of everyone who has walked through the door.
They have always gone above and beyond, treating every customer with patience, dignity, and genuine warmth. Their dedication has made Annagry post office a place where people felt valued, not just served.
Breid and her team have been a constant presence through life’s milestones — helping families, supporting local businesses, and looking after the needs of the community with a smile, no matter how busy the day.
Their contribution extends far beyond the work they carried out behind the counter. They have helped strengthen the fabric of community life in Annagry.
As family and members of the community gathered on Friday to bid farewell to the post office, to Breid and her staff, Maureen Mc Connell and Catherine Bonner, tears flowed as the reality gripped that a service that has been in Annagry for over 100 years is now gone and its future uncertain.
Speaking to the many who gathered to say farewell, Breid paid tribute to the community for their huge support since she took over the contract 14 years ago.
“We had so much support from everyone and we’re very thankful for that and to everyone for using our post office. It was just such a lovely job serving you all and there was never one day that I felt coming up the road that I didn’t want to come to work. Thank you to everybody,” she said.
Retiring Annagry postmistress Breid McCole (2nd from left) with staff members Catherine Bonner and Maureen McConnell, and Annagry postman Eoin McGarvey.
Alan McLaughlin, Regional Retail Manager with An Post paid tribute to Breid for her service as a postmistress, saying she was very invested in the community through her job.
“You ran this office with integrity and honesty, and they are the reasons why An Post is one of the most trusted brands in the country,” he said.
“Being the postmistress here for the past 14 years, you have seen a lot of people come and go and you’ve looked after them always. I sincerely hope you have fond memories of all of them.
“We also want to thank you for keeping the post office open during Covid. It was a difficult time and you did a great job here. We want to congratulate you and wish you the very best of luck in your retirement.”
Despite the best efforts of An Post, to date, a new contractor has not been found to continue the service. The closure however, is deemed “temporary” by An Post as they remain hopeful that someone will come forward and reopen the post office either as a standalone business or in a co-located setting.
It is understood the “temporary” status will remain active for up to a year before the service would be deemed a “permanent” closure.
The nearest post office to Annagry with full services is Kincasslagh (7km), while selected Post Point services are available at Moore’s Filling Station, Loughanure (3.7km).
Social Welfare payments have been temporarily transferred to Dungloe Post Office but will return if a contractor is found for Annagry.
A full service is also available at Derrybeg Post Office.
The post box located outside Annagry Post Office will remain in place.