By Kilkenny Observer reporter.
Photos jbskilkenny
In a time of online transactions and digital overload, the Loughboy Post Office is a rare sanctuary of genuine human connection. For several decades, the centre of that Post Office has been a remarkable woman named Claire Foley.
Just forty years ago, Claire joined the L and N supermarket which later became Caulfields Super Valu and is now Musgraves Super Valu.
When the post office opened a counter in the shop, Claire was its first counter clerk. When Claire pays out her final pension and sells her last stamp on Friday the 10th of July, the Loughboy area will say a fond goodbye to a lady who became the heart and soul of the post office. She is noted for her legendary kindness, courtesy and willingness to help.
Long queues, the Christmas rush, and a stream of stressed out customers never phased Claire. She was extremely efficient with a deep knowledge of obscure postal and customs regulations and she met each customer with a warm and genuine smile.
Fondness
The old age and widowed pensioners were particularly fond of Claire as she treated them with a deference and a kind regard for their circumstances. Many of the pensioners looked forward to meeting with Claire on a weekly basis as they knew she understood the difficulties of their lives. It was often said that Claire had her own little fan club and some customers would stand aside in the queue as they waited to be served only by her.
She knew her local community, their families, their troubles and illnesses and even their holiday plans. When a customer left the counter, their business transacted, they felt better and had a smile to prove it. The Post Office at Loughboy is the centre of a ‘grand tour or solar system’, which includes St Fiacre’s church, the library branch, the bookmakers, pharmacy, café, newsagent, dry cleaners, florist and shop.
Claire was helpful beyond the post office job description. Sellotape, which she often purchased herself, for sealing customers parcels and letters. Envelopes, pens and staples were offered when needed. Phone calls were made to various government departments, even to the sorting office. These calls were often made on her own phone and many times when she was on her he meal breaks. Filling in passport and government forms for customers was a regular occurrence. At times, the Loughboy post office was like an outreach centre of local government, or a branch office of the Citizens advice centre.
Logged out
As Claire logged out of her computer and completed her counter balance for her last time, she leaves an emptiness that will be deeply felt by customers and colleagues alike. Her co-workers, Claire Kealy, Philomena Brennan, Maureen O’Sullivan, Mary Casey and Christina Hogan will soldier on and will no doubt be available to give necessary advice.
Last week, family, customers and many friends called to the post office to bid farewell to a special friend as she prepared for retirement.
As the Kilkenny Observer mingled with customers on that day, the comments of good will were clear to be seen and heard. One customer who has used the post office for the past thirty years said he would miss Claire for the fun, warmth and joy she shared with everyone. A relative of Claire said that she always enjoyed going to work and she got great satisfaction in helping people. It was very obvious that a special bond between the staff existed, as those gathered enjoyed a cup of tea, and some nice cake.
A co worker of Claire’s said that all the staff wished Claire a healthy retirement with her mother, brothers, daughters and her seven grandchildren.
