Limerick village with no shop, post office or pub to get new lease of life

A COUNTY Limerick village which currently has no shop, post office or pub is all set for a new lease of life.

The last remaining bar and the post office in Bruree closed last year. The picturesque village, renowned throughout Ireland due to its association with Éamon de Valera, has been without a shop or post office for over a year since the passing of the much-respected and missed postmistress, Mary Finucane. The only premises currently in operation is a take away.

However, a new store encompassing a post office is set to reopen in September. Separately, construction work continues across the road from the shop on a long-closed public house.

An Post contacted Limerick Live to announce the reopening of the post office with Lelia Beechinor as the new postmistress. 

When contacted by the Leader, James and Lelia Beechinor said they were delighted to reopen the shop and post office.

“We would like to thank all the people of Bruree, Rockhill and surrounding areas for their overwhelming support and welcome shown over the years at O’Rourke’s Cross. 

“It is this level of support by the local community that has made it the success that it is today and enables it to continue to provide essential services to the community it serves.  Providing essential services  to local communities is what we are all,” said Mr and Mrs Beechinor, in a joint statement.

They said that the shop and post office in Bruree will employ 18 people and will be open seven days a week from 6am to 10pm.

“The local post office is the heartbeat of rural Ireland so we’re looking forward to bringing that service back to people in the locality. It has been a big inconvenience for many who don’t drive to have to go to the post office in Kilmallock or Charleville.

“It will now be included in our new modern Spar convenience store which is currently undergoing an extensive fit-out. People will once again be able to buy a pint of milk and a newspaper, get their pension and much more in Bruree.

“It is absolutely vital that rural Ireland is kept alive and this has to be acknowledged, helped and supported by Government and local authorities. 

“I would also like to thank the public representatives who have supported us and wished us well with this exciting new development for Bruree,” said the Beechinors.

The reopening will coincide with children going back to school. This will be the seventh shop / service station across the county owned and operated by James and Lelia Beechinor. 

They now employ over 100 people in local communities with further developments on the horizon in Cappamore and Caherline and others nearing completion.

READ MORE: Sale of former Limerick bank attracts lots of ‘interest’

Minister of State Niall Collins said it is fantastic news for the local community in Bruree, 

“The commute to alternative post offices was putting a lot of customers to significant bother. 

“I wish the new operators well and look forward to seeing the new service flourish,” said Mr Collins.

Fellow Limerick TD, Richard O'Donoghue also welcomed the announcement, saying it was “very good news”.

Cllr PJ Carey, from nearby Kilmallock, said he extensively canvassed in Bruree prior to the recent Local Election.

 “It was made abundantly clear to me on the doorsteps what a loss the closure of the post office and shop was to Bruree. It is a fine-sized village with a growing population which will certainly sustain a shop and post office, not to mind passing traffic. It is great news that people will once again be able to get a loaf of bread and a pint of milk in,” said Cllr Carey.

The Sinn Fein councillor said it was impressed upon him the inconvenience for many people since the post office closed.

  “Many people don't drive and have had to make their way to Kilmallock or Charleville. 

“Now they will be able to go to the post office in Bruree  again like generations before them,” said Cllr Carey.