The dogs in the street knew of the Garda escort for the two postmen making deliveries in Southill, Limerick, yesterday but few others noticed. The slow-moving squad car, with its fluorescent wings, provided protection for the postmen following a series of attacks in the O'Malley Park estate. As a result, the estate had no postal service for more than a week.
In the event, the postmen had little more than the biting cold to worry about. Even the notorious Limerick rain held off and the delivery of the week's postal backlog was uneventful.
Residents said a number of incidents over the past year, where postmen had been threatened, attacked and robbed, were not typical of the area.
Most of the incidents occurred along narrow walkways connecting houses. One woman said everybody was suffering because of the actions of a few individuals. Ms Noreen Moloney, vice-chairwoman of the residents' association, said there was a great community spirit but the area was being affected by the negative publicity.
"I do not have to live in O'Malley Park. I am here because I love the people up here. They are the best people you could ever live with. If you are in trouble, they are there to help you."
Supt Willie Keane, of Roxburo Garda station, said the incidents were isolated and the majority of people in the estate were decent and law-abiding. But he declined to say how long the Garda escort would be provided.
"As far as we are concerned, the post will be delivered there and we will do everything in our power to do that."
A spokesman for An Post said the company was conscious of the inconvenience being caused and it was working closely with the gardai to ensure a normal service was resumed.