A local postmistress who has been serving her community in Co Tyrone for the last 40 years has been recognised with an award.
Glenhull Postmistress Genevieve Brogan, formerly McCrea, has been presented with a 40 Years’ Post Office Long Service Award for running the branch that was started by her family in 1859.
The McCrea family opened the Post Office more than 16 decades ago and Genevieve is the longest-serving postmaster in her family.
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Her aunt, Mary Josephine McCrea, held the previous record – she ran the branch for 37 years.
The branch has been in the family for so long that they have lost track of how many generations, or family members have run the post office in the tiny village of Glenhull.
Genevieve took over from her mother (Rose), who had been the Postmistress for over 12 and a half years.
Genevieve also knows that her grandfather, John was also once at the helm of the branch.
Genevieve’s father, James, was the postman in the community in the 50s and early 60s.
“I understand that this is the oldest Post Office in the area,” Genevieve said.
“It has always been at this location, but it has moved within the site at different times.
“It was only when I thought about receiving my 40 Years Long Service Award that I realised that I had been the longest-serving of the McCrea family.”
The Post Office sits alongside McCreas, the local pub, so they really are at the heart of this very rural community in the Sperrin mountains.
The pub is run by her daughter, Gemma.
Genevieve added: “We know everyone in the area and I have served many generations of the same family and seen people born and grew up, although many move away for work.
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“I really enjoy talking to people so that is what I enjoy most about my job as Postmistress.
“I kept open as normal during the pandemic to continue to serve people.”
Post Office Area Manager, Sean Doherty, said it was amazing that the Post Office had remained in the hands of the McCrea famiy since 1859.
“It is amazing that Glenhull Post Office has been run by the same family since 1859," Sean said.
"I want to thank Genevieve for continuing the family tradition and for loyally serving this community for 40 years.
"This Post Office and the family-run bar are very important to this rural community for providing services and for providing an essential meeting point.”
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