Kevin Fahy was the last cycling postman before the vans took over
James McCarrick reflects on the late Kevin Fahy, a local postman who delivered post on his bicycle.
The death last year of Kevin Fahy (RIP) of Bunninadden, brings to mind a significant role that Kevin played in the local rural fabric of our parish of Achonry/Mullinabreena.
How many remember the postman who had the job of bringing the mail from Bunninadden PO to both Achonry and Lavagh Post Offices in the early sixties?
Well Kevin was the last man to hold that post before the introduction of the mail vans.
Equipped with a big black post office issue bicycle, with carriers front and back, Kevin made the daily trip, calling to the two post offices and possibly the old Achonry Creamery also.
It was a tough journey in all weathers and the bicycle would be very heavily laden at certain times, Christmas mostly, but Kevin never complained. He always had a friendly greeting and a smile. He had taken over the ‘run’ from Ned Higgins, a colourful character, who had travelled the roads when surfaces were not as smooth as now. We remember with fondness and appreciation the men who provided such a vital and essential service. May they rest in peace.