“Running a Post Office is a way of life…”

NORA O’Sullivan-Looney is the face of Killorglin Post Office which has served as a focal point for life in Killorglin for many years. Nora was appointed Postmistress back in 1994 having previously obtained 12-years’ experience in an industry that is a vital part - if in more recent times an underappreciated one - of community life by the Laune. Speaking with Nora you quickly gain a sense of what the Post Office means to her, both personally and also as a place that produces a huge social dividend for the community it serves.

Nora informs me that Killorglin has always been a hub of communications and mail in the Mid Kerry area. In fact, history shows that the bianconai mail coach was an integral part of life in Killorglin and surrounding areas helping to link the region with the outside world through mail letters and parcels. In the earlier part of the century, the train was a vital asset for letters and mainland goods. Sadly, all that now remains is a rusty railway line that’s fast becoming overgrown. But these rusty old tracks also serve as a stern warning for the future of the local Post Office industry as it battles to retain its place in the community. In recent times Nora has been very vocal in her views regarding the importance of the Post Office. Retention through the expansion of services is considered a key strategy if Post Offices are to prosper and Nora is an active campaigner of this cause.

“Running a Post Office is a way of life and when you consider that over 1,100 Post Offices are run by local, trusted people which helps maintain the fabric of community life in rural Ireland. This must stand for something and we intend on fighting to retain it,” Nora said.

“I must also say a huge thanks to my customers for supporting our services and their loyalty is greatly appreciated, particularly in what is a difficult time for the industry. And I would ask that people please help us to save our services by using them. As Postmistress here in Killorglin I wish to remain part of what will be a revived and ever expanding service.”

Nora O’Sullivan Looney with her two daughters Emer and Aoife and Oliver Berry staff members at Killorglin Post Office.