Clonmellon Post Office closes

A chapter in the history of Clonmellon comes to an end this evening when postmaster Eileen Gavigan closes up for the last time.

The village's post office has been in the Gavigan family for six decades with Eileen taking over the role of postmaster from her husband in 1990.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner on the day of her retirement, Eileen said that she has enjoyed serving the people of Clonmellon and the social interaction with her customers.

Despite a number of local businesses expressing an interest in taking over the service, An Post has decided to close the post office on a “temporary basis” while it reviews the national network.

Locals fear that the closure will become permanent when the review is complete.

See next week's Westmeath Examiner for a full report and local reaction.