Retiring postman gets a great send-off in Ardattin

THERE’S scarcely a house in Ardattin that won’t feel the loss of beloved postman Frankie Brennan, who this week hangs up the satchel to begin his retirement.

The community of Ardattin gathered together in the Ardattin Inn recently to wish Frankie well in his retirement and to thank him for his enormous contribution to the local community over the past 16 years.

Far more than a postman, Frankie became part of the community, a friend to all and a supporter of everyone and everything happening.

From feeding cats and dogs to calling into various houses for a chat over a cup of tea, to checking in on the elderly and even playing soccer matches with the children from the local school, Frankie was an integral part of Ardattin life.

“You wouldn’t believe the community service he has provided over the past 16 years, it’s been incredible,” said Laura Vance, Principal of Ardattin NS.

“Even during Covid he call to my house to collect boxes and boxes of schoolbooks and folders and delivered them round to all the children. The amount of things he has done for people over the year, is unbelievable,” she praised.

Such was the love for Frankie that he even debunked the tradition of dogs and postmen – it seems the dogs loved him, too, with Frankie always having a box of dog treats on his rounds.

At so many houses there was always a welcome for Frankie, and he’d regularly call into different houses for lunch or a quick cuppa.

At the farewell party, the community presented Frankie with a wooden clock featuring TT motorcycling, one of his huge passions, created by woodturner David McWilliams. Presentations were also made from the local national school and from Beechwood Drive residents.

There was also a ‘postbox’ there for the occasion where the community could write their own postcards of appreciation to Frankie.

“Oh, he’ll be very much missed, but he has promised us he won’t be a stranger and will be back out regularly to visit,” said Laura.