A well-known and popular face at Cornagrade Road Post Office, Enniskillen, Joan O’Hanlon is set to step down from her long held position today (Thursday).

The facility is closing down in the current premises and this will be the last day that the Sub-Postmistress will take up her familiar position behind the counter, serving the public.

“It will open in the shop next door at 1pm,” tomorrow, Friday, explained Joan, who said that she and the staff wish “Brian, Sylvia and family all the best in their new venture with the Post Office.” Travelling from Ballygawley to her work in Enniskillen, covering 35 miles each way, six days a week, has become a way of life for Joan, who has spent the past 16 years at Cornagrade Road Post Office.

She says that she has worked all her life in the Post Office, where her positions have included Ballygawley, where she started off, and also in Garvaghey, Omagh, Cookstown and other places during the holidays.

She then came to Enniskillen, where she will remain until stepping down from Cornagrade Road P.O. today.

She mentions that she has loved the people in Enniskillen. “They have been very, very good to me,” said Joan, who is very thankful for their support.

“I really will be sorry to step down from here,” admits Joan, who expects she will find it an emotional experience to leave.

“I would know more people up here now, than I know at home,” revealed Joan, who says “the customers have become friends” and she “will miss them”.

With customers of all ages giving their backing, the Post Office at Cornagrade Road became a hub in the community and a social outlet.

Joan and the staff enjoyed conversing with people and she refers to the “good crack” and plenty of chat.

She says she has enjoyed her career in the Post Office, which has spanned a 35 year period.

And on behalf of herself and the staff, she reiterated that she would like to thank the customers for their support over the last 16 years.

“I enjoyed every minute, coming in to work,” said Joan, who acknowledges that it was the customers who made it for her.

Joan also provided two outreaches at Church Hill and Monea (which will continue with the new Sub-Postmaster) and says she would like to thank those customers too.