Sir, - An Post wishes to point out that there are several inaccuracies in a report in The Irish Times (May 7th) shy Mr Dick Grogan concerning the post office in Liskenfere, Clough, Co Wexford. The Irish Times did not contact An Post on the issue before the story was printed.
The facts are as follows: Ms Sarah Hempenstall, was post mistress in Liskenfere, Clough since 1938. Unfortunately she was unwell for some time this year and subsequently died two weeks ago. While she was ill, her niece ran the post office on her behalf. However, she has informed An Post that she does not wish to carry on the business. Liskenfere Post Office closed on a temporary basis last week until An Post completes a review of the situation. This is in keeping with our policy on reviewing the post office network.
The report had a number of internal contradictions, stating that: "Ms Hempenstall's shop and post office was the hub of the community", yet in the following paragraph: "It is true that with Miss Hempenstall's advancing age, both her shop and post office had declined. . ." The alleged statement that "An Post's case is that there is not enough business..
was not issued by this company and preempts the review we intend to carry out over the coming weeks.
I have been asked to express the disappointment of An Post that The Irish Times would print a story without contacting all the parties involved and ask that the inaccuracies are corrected. Yours, etc.,
Public Relations Manager,
An Post,
General Post Office,
O'Connell Street,
Dublin 1.