Postman who ‘liked going in for a chat’ delivers last letter
Image 1 of 13
Bronagh Beglan, Mia Connell, Pat Beglan, Cara Connell and Anita Connell at the retirement do for Pat.Image 2 of 13
Brian Kinsella, Teresa Lee and Camillus Parker at Pat’s retirement party.Image 3 of 13
Averil Orme, Pat Heduan and Eamon Orme from An Post.Image 4 of 13
Mary Finnegan, Catherine Conroy, Ursula Maher and Maria Beglan helped with the refreshments.Image 5 of 13
Breda Fallon from Milltown and Phylis Byrne from Moyvore.Image 6 of 13
Brendan Evans from Ballintue and Noel Maguire from Empor.Image 7 of 13
Minister Robert Troy with Pat Beglan.Image 8 of 13
Ann Parker and Bartle Garry at Pat’s retirement celebration.Image 9 of 13
Joanna Maguire, Carmel Connolly and Jennifer Connolly enjoying the evening.Image 10 of 13
Ita and Brian O’Farrell at the parish hall for Pat’s do.Image 11 of 13
Mary Lynn from Milltown and Mags Igoe from Rathconrath.Image 12 of 13
Vonnie O’Rourke, Anne Lynn and Fiona Bellingham.Image 13 of 13
Paddy Troy, Sarah Troy and John Beglan from Ballynacargy.The postman who “liked going in for a chat” has delivered his last letter for the Ballynacargy community, who gathered to wish him well in his retirement, at a function in the parish hall last month.
The residents of Ballynacargy and surrounding areas know Pat Beglan well, as he began worked at the local post office in October 1980. He helped local people stay connected over the years and thought nothing of delivering groceries and medicine to elderly residents as he did his rounds.
Speaking at his retirement do, Pat told the gathering about how much he loved the job and the community, and about his plans for retirement. “The people out the country were absolutely so good to me, they were like family, and I met the best of friends,” he said.
“I was a postman that liked going in for the chat and helping people but, as I said, the people made the job for me because they were so good to me.
“They couldn’t have been nicer to me, they were absolutely wonderful, and for that I want to thank them especially – for being so good to me.”
Pat also spoke about his late wife: “I went through a bad time there in July. I lost my wife, a wonderful woman, she kept me going – and between that and the change in An Post, I had enough.
“My little wife Bernie told me I was to mind the grandchildren, and I’m doing that, and I absolutely love doing it as well. It’s my new life now.”
Deputy Robert Troy said: “From my own perspective as the postmaster for 21 years here, my parents before me, my grandparents before that, Pat has been associated with our family in the post office. He is someone who has been punctual, reliable, confidential and really someone very trusted. You couldn’t have a better person around the house.
“So, for many people, Pat brought a bright spot in the day. His jokes, the acts of kindness, the hellos, really meant so much to people in the community and we can see by the very large crowd that’s gathered how highly thought of he is within the community.”