Michael McGowan was the first ever chairman of the Irish Postal Workers union

January 1975

When post office employee, Mr. Frank Condra, was handed a framed certificate to mark his retirement last week-end, it was signed by his son, Pascal, who is branch secretary of the Post Office Workers’ Union. The certificate was presented at the Neptune Hotel at the branch’s annual reunion.

Mr. Sean Murray, proposing the toast to the union, spoke of the progress of the postal service and traced the history of the trade union movement inside the service.

The Post Office Workers’ Union, he said, had been formed in 1923 and Drogheda man. Mr. Michael McGowan, was its first chairman.

Mr. T. Harrington, the union’s general secretary, said that the union had been born out of frustration and dissatisfaction and Drogheda had played no small part in its foundation.

Post office employees were not afraid of criticism but very often, they found, the cause of the criticism was not known. Most of the time complaints about bad service were due to a lack of equipment and staff.

Mr. Tommy Mee proposed a toast to the union’s guests, including Mr. C. Kellett. Mr. Bobby Archer. Mr. and Mrs. E. Gargan, Mr. and Mis. P. Carolan. Mr. M. Clarke, Mr. and Mrs. F. Condra.

Miss Catherine Orr on behalf of the telephonists extended good wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Condra and Mr. Peter Corr, outdoor branch, added his tributes.

Presentations of a canteen of cutlery and a certificate were made to Mr. Condra and a bouquet of flowers was presented to Mrs. Condra by Mrs. Harrington.

The certificate was signed by Mr. P. Condra, branch secretary, and the chairman, Mr. G. Gargan.