By Cliona Connolly
Cliona@monaghanpost.com

MARY McCague closed the door of Knockatallon Post Office last Friday for the last time after 36 years.

The Post Office, attached to the McCague family home, has been a central part of community life in Knockatallon but is now closed. “My elderly customers were very sad here on Friday” said Mary “they are sad to see it close. It was an important part of their life and they loved coming here for a chat.”

Mary decided to retire to enjoy her time to herself: “I have only good memories of the Post Office, I never had any problems.” Knockatallon PO provided services such as money orders, licences, pensions and unemployment pay.

Mary believes An Post should maintain Post Offices around the county despite falling trade. “I hope they will maintain local Post Offices – it’s an important service in the community.

“I understand that some Post Offices are too small and no longer profitable but Clones Post Office is a big office.

“I don’t understand why they are closing it. It’s very sad for the staff their after their years of hard work.”

Mary plans to enjoy her retirement and will travel to New Jersey in America soon to visit her son.

“I would like to thank all my customers for their loyalty over the years,” Mary concluded.