Of Dads expeditions on our Ireland road trip this was one of his favourite visits to meet Jimmy Finnerty, 97 at that time, and they compared notes as fellow ancestors…!!!

Jimmy had been a postman for over 30 years, travelling miles of the Mayo countryside delivering telegrams and letters to remote farms and houses, Dad loved the fact that Jimmy on many occasions did not only deliver the letter but then wait with a cup of tea while the person penned a reply for Jimmy to take back to the post office.

I believe in Jimmys words he gained an insight into real Ireland that he only experienced in the many books and poems of Irish literature he loved and read – it helped bring it to life for him.  

They got on so well it was a joy to be there with them both.

Jimmy is now 98 and his thoughts and prayers are with you Dad.