Postman Paddy gets a great send-off from the community

A LARGE group of Springfield residents gathered on Alderwood Lawn last Thursday morning to show their gratitude for the work of Paddy Ennis, a postman who has served the area for 20 years.

The residents gave Paddy gifts and expressed their appreciation for his hard work over the years, ahead of his retirement from An Post the following day on Friday, March 8, at age 66.

Paddy, who lives in Kilnamanagh, started working for An Post 25 years ago and initially only served The Square Shopping Centre on his post route.

When asked about his memories of his first day on the job, Paddy told The Echo: “I found it hard, at first, because I’d come from the private sector – I was a butcher by trade.

“So, it felt completely different to me, but once you get into it, it’s good work and I was getting paid for doing something I enjoyed. I’ve no bad memories of the place.”

After five years on the job, Paddy’s route grew to encompass Springfield and over the last 20 years he’s forged strong friendships with people in the area.

“I just really enjoyed the job and being out and about, and there are lovely people in Springfield,” Paddy remarked.

“I just got on well with the people there and everyone knows each other. There’s a great community there.

“I just enjoyed going around and having a bit of banter with them every morning, I never took the job too seriously to be honest!

Paddy fondness for the people in Springfield was mutual, and they showed this by surprising him at around 8am last Thursday morning in Alderwood by giving  him gifts and saying a few words.

“On Thursday morning I went to Alderwood Lawn, and I saw a big crowd, so I was looking for  an ambulance because I thought something had happened,” Paddy explained.

“When I went down, they gave me a big presentation, a lot of presents, and they just gave me a great send-off.”

On Friday morning, Paddy also received a fitting send off from his employers, as he was given a presentation by the head of An Post thanking him for his service.

That evening, Paddy and his colleagues enjoyed a well-deserved night out in the community centre in Kilnamanagh to celebrate the beginning of his retirement years.

When he spoke to The Echo on Tuesday afternoon, Paddy said he was still adjusting to not having to get up at 5.30am every day, but he’s still planning to keep busy with his involvement in a local club.

“I found it very strange yesterday morning, not going out,” he said. “I was up at 5.30am so I think it’ll take a while for the body clock to get used to it.”

He added: “I’m involved in Kilnamanagh AFC and they’re  building a new clubhouse, so I’ll be heavily involved in that.

“I also cut the grass and mark the pitches for matches, so I won’t be short of things to do – I’ll have plenty to do, that’s for definite.”

Paddy said he’s also looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Breda, alongside maintaining his involvement with Kilnamanagh AFC, which he’s been a part of for over 40 years.