KNOCKNAGREE BIDS A FOND FAREWELL TO NUALA AND DONAL

VILLAGE MARKS THE RETIREMENT OF POPULAR COUPLE AFTER TWO-DECADES AT THE HELM

People from Knocknagree and surrounding areas recently got together to celebrate the retirement of Nuala and Donal Riordan from their Shop and Post Office which opened on July 8th,1997 at the centre of the village.

The large turnout at the local Community Centre was a testament of the high esteem in which Nuala and Donal were held and the appreciation their family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and customers had for the wonderful personal service provided by the couple over the past 20 years.

Dan Francis Murphy welcomed everyone to the event including members of Nuala’s immediate and extended family, Parish Priest Fr. Pat O’ Donnell, and former Curate Fr. Liam O’ Brien who travelled from Sneem to join in the celebrations.

“In a world where everything is ever more fast growing and impersonal it was an absolute pleasure to come into Nuala’s shop to be greeted by name, and enjoy a friendly warm atmosphere” Dan Francis said.

“Both Nuala and Donal were always very helpful and obliging to the young and not so young customers, the shop was a meeting place for the entire community and was open seven days a week, twelve hours a day” he added.

Carmel O’ Mahony presented Nuala with a Waterford crystal lamp on behalf of the community, while Mairead Fleming presented her with a bouquet of fresh flowers. Nuala also received a piece of ‘Art on Slate’ from the Fairfield Committee members.

Nuala gave an emotional speech recalling the wonderful years she and Donal and their three children Donald, Christine, and Sheila had from the time they started in 1997 to the last day of business on April 29th.

She also thanked everyone who contributed to making the function so special.

Dan Francis concluded by wishing Nuala and Donal a long, happy, and healthy retirement, and following the cutting of the specially themed cake which was created by the couples daughter in law Lisa, the celebrations continued well into the night.

All Photos: Sheila Fitzgerald. Local children who regularly visited Nuala’s Shop pictured with her at a function in the local Community Centre to mark her retirement from her Shop and the Post Office in Knocknagree.

Fairfield Committee members Denis O’ Mahony, Sean Sheehan, Ben O’ Dea, and Andy O’ Halloran making a presentation to Nuala Riordan at a function to mark her retirement as Postmistress in Knocknagree.

Donal and Nuala Riordan cutting the cake at a function in their honour.

Mairead Fleming presented a bouquet of fresh flowers to Nuala Riordan.