SPECIAL DELIVERY: Postman Denis Cronin from Woodlawn pictured on his daily rounds delivering the Killarney Advertiser to Alice and Pat O'Sullivan at Valley Farmhouse, Minish.

By Michelle Crean

Cocooning at home is the safest option for the older members of the community – however local postmen and women are making it a little bit easier by providing extra services.

One such worker is Woodlawn resident and postman Denis Cronin who says he’s more than happy to check-in or drop in messages along his daily route.

Up at 5.30am to sort the post, Denis is then on the road from 8am until about 1.30pm, and it’s not just typical letters or parcels that he’s delivering.

As part of An Post’s latest ‘Request a Check-In’ strategy to help an older or vulnerable person who is feeling isolated during the COVID-19 crisis, Denis and his colleagues are more than happy to help – even dropping off the Killarney Advertiser to peoples’ homes every week.

His route includes Pike Hill, Clash, Lissivigeen, Minish, Old Forge, Iron Mills, Tullaha, Gortahoosh, Crosstown and Ballagh.

“They’re thrilled to get the Killarney Advertiser to see what’s happening around the town,” Denis said this week.

“They’re used to getting it in town every week and when they don’t get it, they miss it.”

He said many of those isolated really miss their trips out but understand why it’s better and safer to stay at home. This means they cannot get out to do shopping and pick up other items such as prescriptions.

Denis, who has worked for An Post for 37 years, explained how some have his mobile number and often message him in the evening so that he can have the shopping ready for his next day deliveries.

“At the moment I’m delivering messages and we’re delighted to do it. They send a text the day before if they’re stuck for something. I bring the newspaper to one person every day. We stand a distance apart and have a chat, usually about the same things, either Coronavirus or the GAA! For some it’s their only contact with someone. I’m delighted to do it.”