Ballynacargy bids farewell to Teresa after 19 years
Damien Maher
After 19 years of distinguished service, the community of Ballynacargy came together to bid farewell to their local post office assistant, Teresa Fox on Thursday, March 16.
Teresa was the face of the local post office for almost two decades and built up a great rapport with the local people. A native of Moydow, County Longford, she began working for Ballynacargy postmaster Robert Troy in 2004 and has been a valued member of the community over the years.
“The post office is a local hub, really, and a vital part of the community as it always has been down through the years. Teresa ensured it remained that way during her time here,” Deputy Troy said.
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Teresa outside the post office.Image 2 of 9
Pat Beglan and Johnny Riggs (postmen) with Teresa on Thursday.Image 3 of 9
Cllr Johnny Penrose and Owen Finnerty in the Wagon Wheel.Image 4 of 9
Maria Kenna Browne and Catherine Bannon at the retirement party.Image 5 of 9
Deputy Robert Troy made a presentation to Teresa on her last day.Image 6 of 9
Anne Quinn and Martina Riggs in Ballinacargy.Image 7 of 9
Kitty Ledwith and Mary Riggs on Thursday evening.Image 8 of 9
Anne Lynn and Sarah Troy from Ballinacargy.Image 9 of 9
Mary Finnegan brought out Teresa's cake.There was a big turnout in The Wagon Wheel, Ballynacargy, where a special function was held to acknowledge Teresa’s contribution over the years. Teresa was very thankful to everyone involved.
“She was held in very high esteem by the people of Ballynacargy and was a very popular face in the local community. It wasn’t just about her duties behind the desk, she was a very caring and compassionate person also. Elderly people will certainly miss her,” he said.
“A number of people called in during the day to wish her well and personally thank her for all she has contributed.”
While many rural areas have lost their local post offices, Ballynacargy has succeeded in maintaining the service.
“It’s great that we still have a post office and the local people have remained very supportive which has been vital in keeping it open,” said Robert.
The value of the service came to the fore in recent years when the Covid-19 pandemic caused such upheaval in people’s lives.
“Teresa’s work during that time was particularly outstanding. She never missed a day and never resisted coming in to work.
“She was happy to keep a critical frontline service open during that very uncertain period,” he recalled.
Indeed, the value of the local post office was underlined in those many months and through Teresa and the local postmen, Pat Beglan and Johnny Riggs, vulnerable people who were cocooning at home were able to get access to their weekly payments in a safe and secure manner.
Robert, who has been a Fianna Fáil TD since 2011 and prior to that served seven years as a Westmeath county councillor, said Teresa’s contribution will not be forgotten.
“She was an exemplary employee and we are extremely grateful to her for all she has contributed. On a personal level, I couldn’t have pursued my own career without her help.
“I will certainly miss her, as will the local community here,” the local TD said.