Robbie McKenzie, embarking on An Post's busiest week of the year
This coming week postmen and women around Ireland will deliver the most mail of any week in the year, and Robbie McKenzie's route, in Dublin 2, is no exception. "It starts to get really busy from November onwards, but this week is manic," he says. "There are two deliveries each day, and we also do a Saturday delivery."
McKenzie, who commutes to the Cardiff Lane sorting office from Finglas, has been a postman for 27 years. "I started working as a postman when I was 17, so I more or less grew up with the lads here. There's a great sense of camaraderie, people slagging and joking. I'll be crucified when they see this article."
His route takes in Nassau Street, South Frederick Street, Duke Street and Anne Street, and although he has fewer residential customers than he used to, he still enjoys the work. "The people on my route are more than customers; they are friends. For some people the only person they will meet in a day is the postman, so you build up a rapport. The old traditions are still there, like getting the odd cup of tea from people. And at this time of the year there's a real buzz."
Although McKenzie doesn't drink, he graciously accepts any Christmas bottles he is offered. "Some people are really kind; they might get you a bottle of whiskey or maybe a box of chocolates. And, at Christmas, when we get back from the walk the lads will be asking each other whether there is any "soot" falling. Soot refers to a few bob in an envelope that you get from some people at Christmas. So when they ask if there's any soot falling, that's what they mean. It really lifts the spirits when someone gives you a gift. It's not the money; it's just the gesture. You feel people appreciate you braving the elements to deliver post."
McKenzie says some of the extra post is a result of Santa writing to children, to thank them for their letters and saying he will be seeing them next week. "It's really nice to be part of that little bit of magic."