Brand new post office for Ballydesmond
THERE’S an extra splash of light shining in Ballydesmond these days – and it’s not because the days are longer and the planted boxes in the picturesque village are coming into bloom.
No, but a cloud that had hung over the village for more than a year was lifted recently and it’s a sure consolation to many, not just in the village but the surrounding areas, too.
Just weeks ago, one chapter closed and a brand new one opened when Ballydesmond Post Office - which had been run by the Vaughan family for the previous 87 years - closed one Friday evening and opened again in a brand new location at Kearney’s Centra at the western end of the village on the following Monday morning.
Not surprisingly, a large crowd of locals as well as people from surrounding parishes gathered to wish the Kearney family well in their new venture, and former Post Mistress Anne Vaughan well in her retirement. On the momentous day, the ribbon was cut by Eileen Kearney Senior and former Post Mistress Anne Vaughan.
Fr. Joe Tarrant PP was on hand to bless the new venture and Seamus Kearney and his wife Eileen thanked everyone for attending. “This is a great day for the parish in that we have succeeded in keeping our Post Office,” said Seamus. “Thanks to everyone who worked so hard in January liaising with An Post officials, and to our public representatives who helped us in the fight.”
On the day, Michael Moynihan TD, Danny Healy Rae TD, Councillors Bernard Moynihan, Gerard Murphy and John Paul O’Shea all said how delighted they were that Ballydesmond had retained it’s Post Office, complimented the Vaughan family for their many years of outstanding service, and wished the Kearney family the very best in their new venture.
The new Post Office lost no time and was up and running immediately – with former Post Mistress Anne Vaughan being among the first customers. The smooth re-opening was testament to the tenacity and determination of the community in Ballydesmond who have succeeded in retaining this vital service at the heart of their village.
This wild and beautiful landscape on the borders of Cork and Kerry and at the heart of Sliabh Luachra, is home to this historic parish, where both the Village and wider Parish have continued to grow and evolve both commercially and culturally over the past several decades.
The infant River Blackwater rises here and the local country- side affords striking panoramic views of the Reeks to the west, the Boggeragh to the south, and the Mullagharierk Mountains to the north.
In excess of 40 business operating locally contribute to the buoyant and vibrant commercial life of the region, with agriculture playing a major role also.
Meanwhile, the amenities in Ballydesmond are second to none - The Nora Herlihy Park is home to the fine GAA Grounds, spacious Community Centre, and two Handball Courts, while Tír na nÓg Childcare Centre is located here also. Ballydesmond has it’s very own Astro Turf, and on the hill overlooking the Village you will find St. Patrick’s Church, the National School, and Day Care Centre.
The region has a consistently strong sporting tradition with notable success in GAA and athletics an integral part of life here.
In addition, there are several key Clubs and Organisations operating in the Parish.