'You'll be missed' - Offaly postmaster to retire after 42 years amid well wishes
"After 42 years, I've made the difficult decision to retire and will finish up at the end of October"
Glowing tributes are being paid this week after an Offaly postmaster announced they are set to retire after 42 years.
Breda Byrne will send her final parcel from Kinnitty Post Office in October and locals have been quick to pay tribute to her commitment to the community over four decades.
Breda took to social media to share the news. She said: "After 42 years, I've made the difficult decision to retire and will finish up at the end of October.
"I'd like to sincerely thank everyone in the local community for their support over that time and while I'm looking forward to retirement, I will miss all of the loyal Kinnitty Post Office customers."
She also encourage others locally to express an interest in taking up the mantle to "keep the post office running in Kinnitty." She shares details on how to partner with An Post on the Kinnitty Post Office Facebook page.
Fine Gael councillor John Clendennen was one of the first to pay tribute. He wrote: "Breda has served Kinnitty village with distinction for decades with a local post office that always had a buzz."
He added: "This is a unique opportunity for a person looking to run their own business in a village that is bursting with potential.
"It is vital to see this important service continue, and I wish Breda well in her retirement and thank her for her commitment to the village for several decades."
Another local said: "Best wishes on your retirement, Breda, you gave a brilliant service to your community. You will be missed."