Special delivery for postman who served same route for decades

ONE of country’s longest serving postmen got a special delivery ahead of his retirement next week.

Legendary Cork postman Denis Dunscombe, 65, from Hollyhill, was taken by surprise when he was honoured by some of the residents he has served on the same route over three decades.

Neighbours in the Sandymount estate on the southside of the city said they wanted to make the presentation to thank Denis for his dedication — every morning, hail, rain or shine — over the past 27 years.

It is estimated that Denis walked more than 100,000 miles delivering letters to thousands of homes in the Togher, Glasheen and Wilton areas during his career.

An Post management said it is remarkable for the same postman to remain on the same route for so long.

He had several opportunities to take an office-based job but Denis said he preferred to stay outdoors, meeting people.

“Denis was always an outdoors man,” said Communications Worker’s Union branch secretary Martina O’Connell.

“All his colleagues would say it was a real pleasure to work with him. I would meet him every morning in the office at 6am and he had a smile for everybody, even in bad weather.

“Great tribute is due to him because he moved buildings and offices several times and he always helped any new people that came in.”

She recalled one particular incident last year when a fellow postman, Mick O’Driscoll, retired.

As is the custom, Denis and his colleagues took Mick for breakfast before his round.

But afterwards, Ms O’Connell said Denis accompanied Mick on his final round, helping him deliver his letters.

“Denis wanted Mick to have company on his last day. We would like to thank Denis for all his help and wish him well in his retirement,” she said.

An Post’s John McCarthy, manager of the Togher sub post office, said they have been flooded with letters praising Denis for his work over the years.

However, Denis has one big day left before his last official day on the job — Wednesday, February 17. He will have to make sure that all the Valentine’s Day cards are delivered before Saturday.