A Mayo postman's career for An Post of 44 years comes to an end.

Michael Connolly from Cussolough, Brickens, has always been a man of the people. Little wonder then that so many tributes have been paid to him since his recent retirement after 44 years with An Post including 41 as postman for the general Aghamore and nearby parts of Kilkelly.

He was a cherished friend to those along his daily route where a warm chat was often a source of comfort and strength to many in these times of rural isolation.

There were homes where he was invited in for tea and to talk about the news of the day.

READ NEXT: Lack of blessing at Westport openings disappoints Mayo councillor

Christmas time always held its own charm as the soft glow of candles in the windows thawed the aggravation of daily grinds in the hearts of so many.

Joe Byrne from Johnstown, Ballyhaunis, a man who delivered post around the Ballyhaunis region for many years, has been a close friend of Michael’s down through the years.

He recalls with fondness and nostalgia Michael’s journey since he joined the staff in Ballyhaunis Post Office (P & T) in March 1981 as a telegram boy.

“His duty was to deliver telegrams around Ballyhaunis postal area on a bicycle. His other role was as a reserve Postman which saw him deliver mail to the houses in Upper Main Street on foot.

“Michael was always thankful to the late Tom Hopkins who knew everyone in the town and could tell Michael which house the people he was looking for lived in.

When Michael joined the P& T there were six postmen working from Ballyhaunis, five of whom are now deceased, John Cleary, Dom Murphy, Paddy Fitzmaurice, Michael Lyons, Jimmy O’Malley, and myself and postmen in sub offices in Cloonfad, Kilkelly, Aghamore, Tooreen and Paddy Brennan was Postmaster.

“There were four clerical staff and 20 staff in the telephone exchange upstairs between day and night telephonists. In 1983, Michael made history by being the last Telegram-Boy in Ballyhaunis Post Office. This service was discontinued by P&T. The last telegram he delivered was to the Connell Family of Redford, Ballyhaunis.

PROMOTION

“He then was promoted as full-time postman to Castlerea district. He covered an area from Lisalway to Castleplunkett, Bushfield and finishing in Tarmon.

In August 1984, Tom Folliard the postman in Aghamore retired and Michael got appointed to this post. He spent 41 years on this post which brought him around Aghamore with some changes over the years.

He had a great relationship with the people and plenty of tea houses along the way. This was the year P&T changed to An Post,” said Joe Byrne.

Michael was an active union member of Ballyhaunis, Communication Workers Union (CWU) Branch having served on the committee and as chairperson over the years. He also oversaw the biggest change in Ballyhaunis Post Office with the move in August 2015 to a new An Post D.U on Clare Road.

Michael, who retired on September 3, 2025, was joined by family and friends and colleagues for a party in the McWilliam Hotel in Claremorris on September 20.

He was presented with a Genesis Cuchulainn Bronze statue by Pat Kelly, Ballyhaunis DSU Manager while David Madden presided at the presentation of his Union Scroll and Badge.

Margaret Fannon, secretary of Aghamore Community Development Company, made a presentation to Michael on his retirement after 41 years of service as a postman in the Aghamore and Kilkelly areas and thanked him for his wonderful and loyal service to the people of the area down through the years.

READ NEXT: Four Mayo Club Championship semi-finals selected for live broadcast