Delivering more than just letters in Mullagh area

The community of Mullagh gathered at St Kilian’s Church for a Mass of Gratitude to honour Jane Duffy on her retirement after 38 years of dedicated service as a postwoman.

Her love for the postal service began in her childhood.

“I snuck away with my dad,” she recalls with a smile. “I hid in the van on Saturdays when he was delivering post. And I loved it. I loved meeting people and getting to know the area.”

In those early years, there were no postcodes, no Google maps and no internet. Local knowledge was king. Sometimes an envelope would simply read ‘Peter, Main Street’, and Jane would know exactly where it belonged.

She could often recognise the recipient just by the type of letter.

“You’d know what belongs to who after a while.”

Back in the 1980s, letters and postcards were the primary means of communication, especially from relatives abroad. People would eagerly await envelopes with US or UK stamps. “They’d be so excited,” Jane says. “And then there were the postcards from holidays - people trying to make everyone jealous!”

Jane describes herself as “mostly the bringer of good news”, a part of the job she treasured. Over time, Mullagh expanded from just two housing estates into a growing community. Whenever rural routes needed covering, Jane was often called upon because of her extensive local knowledge. In later years, her rounds stretched as far as Moynalty and neighbouring Newcastle.

Jane acknowledges how times have changed. “It’s a pity that writing letters has disappeared. There’s something special about holding a letter, opening it, and seeing someone’s handwriting. It’s much more personal than a text message.”

She admits, with humour, that the last letter she personally wrote was to Revenue, though she still makes a point of sending birthday and Christmas cards - a tradition she fears may be fading with younger generations.

Letters may have declined, but parcels have certainly increased. Jane noticed a dramatic shift during the Covid-19 pandemic. “People who never shopped online were now shopping online. It was the only way to get things.”

As an essential worker, Jane continued her rounds and checked in on people at a distance. “They’d wave through the window so I’d know they were okay.”

And so, over the years, Jane became much more than a postwoman. She was known for lending a helping hand: changing light bulbs, replacing gas bottles. Even helping to start a tractor stuck on a lane. On one occasion, when a woman accidentally locked herself out after coming to collect the mail, Jane climbed a ladder and squeezed through a top window to unlock the door from the inside. “It was a bit tough,” she laughs, “but we managed.”

It’s easy to picture the petite postwoman climbing through the window - just one example of the dedication that made her so special. She often also brought newspapers or collected post for those unable to do so themselves. For many, she was also a friendly ear, a chance to share a quick chat, a story, or even to vent to.

“Sometimes people just need to talk and get things off their chest,” says Jane.

Through these daily interactions, Jane formed many lasting friendships. One of the joys of her job was watching families grow.

“You’d see babies born, then their first school bags, and the next thing they’re in wedding suits. You wonder where the years have gone.” Years in which she herself raised two children, with grandchildren in the area now as well.

Fittingly, Jane finished her final round on Christmas Eve, allowing her to say goodbye and receive well-wishes from the people she served for so long. She expressed sincere gratitude to Father Paul, Caitriona Monaghan, the Heritage Centre, Andrea, Elisa, Rosaleen, and the entire community for organising the Mass and for their kindness.

Now adjusting to retirement, Jane admits she already misses the routine. For years, she rose at 4am and could never stay up late enough to finish a TV series. “Now I can finally see the end of them,” she jokes.

Though she finds her household chores take a little longer without her strict schedule, she knows she’ll settle into a new rhythm.

Jane continues to rise early - old habits die hard - and enjoys morning walks with her “girlies” - her close friends from Mullagh. Living near Killyconny Bog, she has a beautiful setting for her daily strolls and looks forward to brighter mornings as spring approaches.