Friday 31st July 2020 will mark the end of an era as Michael Leonard pulls down the shutter for the final time.
For all that have grown up in the village, he will have been a constant during years of continual change. For the many others who came here from elsewhere, Michael would have been a friendly face and a helpful guide to life in Delvin.
A special word of thanks is also offered to the ladies who worked alongside Michael in his store and the post office.
On a personal note, Thank You Michael for all the support you have offered me since my own arrival in Delvin. I wish you a long, healthy, happy and fulfilling retirement.
Thank you to all the local committees and private residents who submitted their messages and memories of Michael and his store.
I wish Michael Leonard a very happy retirement. Michael has run a very successful business here in Delvin for many years. He has been very supportive of community activities in the parish. He has been active in providing community entertainment in St Patrick’s Hall and promoting the Parish magazine. In addition he has been very helpful to many people – always ready to give advice and put people in touch with services they needed. He had a great rapport with young people and tried to encourage them in every way. It is good to know that Michael will still be in the area and will continue to support community life in the parish. I hope Michael and Olive have many happy years ahead of them and that they will continue to enjoy the friendship of all their friends here.Father Séamus Heaney
I wish Michael Leonard a very happy retirement. Michael has run a very successful business here in Delvin for many years. He has been very supportive of community activities in the parish. He has been active in providing community entertainment in St Patrick’s Hall and promoting the Parish magazine. In addition he has been very helpful to many people – always ready to give advice and put people in touch with services they needed. He had a great rapport with young people and tried to encourage them in every way. It is good to know that Michael will still be in the area and will continue to support community life in the parish. I hope Michael and Olive have many happy years ahead of them and that they will continue to enjoy the friendship of all their friends here.
Michael was a crucial source of advice, support, and encouragement to Rapscallion Drama Group in our early efforts to stage our play “The Mean Streets of Garradrimna” in 2018. His tireless efforts to promote our production was based on his commitment to Delvin’s proud heritage and his natural gift for sales was a huge boost to our shows full houses. Every best wish to Michael and Olive in their new beginnings, from all at Rapscallion!Rapscallion Drama Group
Michael was a crucial source of advice, support, and encouragement to Rapscallion Drama Group in our early efforts to stage our play “The Mean Streets of Garradrimna” in 2018. His tireless efforts to promote our production was based on his commitment to Delvin’s proud heritage and his natural gift for sales was a huge boost to our shows full houses. Every best wish to Michael and Olive in their new beginnings, from all at Rapscallion!
Delvin Christmas Lights Committee would like to wish Michael all the best on his retirement and express our sincere thanks to him for his support to the Committee and the Community over the past number of years. Best Wishes.Michelle Farrelly on behalf of Delvin Lights Committee
Delvin Christmas Lights Committee would like to wish Michael all the best on his retirement and express our sincere thanks to him for his support to the Committee and the Community over the past number of years. Best Wishes.
Delvin GAA Committee and all our members would like to wish Michael Leonard all the best on his retirement. We would also like to thank Michael and his wife Olive for all their support which they have given to us for many years. Wishing Michael and Olive the best of health and happiness in the future.Delvin GAA
Delvin GAA Committee and all our members would like to wish Michael Leonard all the best on his retirement. We would also like to thank Michael and his wife Olive for all their support which they have given to us for many years. Wishing Michael and Olive the best of health and happiness in the future.
St Patricks Day parade committee would like to thank Michael, for all his help given to our committee over the years which we really appreciate. Michael was very proactive within our committee. It was a huge honour to have Michael O’Muircheartaigh and the Artane band partake in our parade, all credit goes to Michael for inviting both these guests to our parade. Congratulations Olive & Michael on your retirement from the shop we wish you both many years of health & happiness.John Donlon & Delvin Parade Committee
St Patricks Day parade committee would like to thank Michael, for all his help given to our committee over the years which we really appreciate. Michael was very proactive within our committee. It was a huge honour to have Michael O’Muircheartaigh and the Artane band partake in our parade, all credit goes to Michael for inviting both these guests to our parade. Congratulations Olive & Michael on your retirement from the shop we wish you both many years of health & happiness.
Myself, Pearl, Jordan and Jade wish Michael all the very best for the future. Many thanks for the fond memories and the warm welcome received when visiting the shop over the years. A special thank you to Michael for all his support with the photography.Willie Forde (Photography) & Family
Myself, Pearl, Jordan and Jade wish Michael all the very best for the future. Many thanks for the fond memories and the warm welcome received when visiting the shop over the years. A special thank you to Michael for all his support with the photography.
Thanks for your support over the years Michael and Olive. Hope you enjoy your retirement.Delvin Vintage Club Committee
Thanks for your support over the years Michael and Olive. Hope you enjoy your retirement.
A big shout out to Michael from all at the Doolan School of Irish Dancing and best wishes to you for your retirement. Michael sponsored a Shield as one of our class prizes in 2009 and it’s still going strong. Michael always came to the hall to present this shield. Thanks again. Love from Annette and the dancers xxxAnnette, Doolan School of Irish Dancing
A big shout out to Michael from all at the Doolan School of Irish Dancing and best wishes to you for your retirement. Michael sponsored a Shield as one of our class prizes in 2009 and it’s still going strong. Michael always came to the hall to present this shield. Thanks again. Love from Annette and the dancers xxx
Delvin Hospice Committee wish Michael the very best of luck as he retires. He always has been so obliging & supportive & will be missed. We wish him every happiness for the future.Ber Ivory on behalf of Delvin Hospice Committee
Delvin Hospice Committee wish Michael the very best of luck as he retires. He always has been so obliging & supportive & will be missed. We wish him every happiness for the future.
Delvin Friendship Club Committee & members would like to extend Congratulations and best wishes to Michael on his retirement. Michael has always been a great supporter of the club since it began 24 years ago & has been extremely generous & helpful throughout those years. It has always been a pleasure dealing with him and he will be missed! Wishing Michael & Olive health and happiness for the future. Remember – instead of living to work, now you can start working on living!Patricia McGrath – Chairperson, Delvin Friendship Club
Delvin Friendship Club Committee & members would like to extend Congratulations and best wishes to Michael on his retirement. Michael has always been a great supporter of the club since it began 24 years ago & has been extremely generous & helpful throughout those years. It has always been a pleasure dealing with him and he will be missed! Wishing Michael & Olive health and happiness for the future. Remember – instead of living to work, now you can start working on living!
I moved to the village 16 years ago as a teenager and Michael would have been one of the first people to meet, welcoming smile always so kind and has helped me so much over the years with things. Here’s a picture of my kids and my friends kids with Michael last Halloween. We will all be sad to see Michael retire. Thank you Michael for everything.Kellie
I moved to the village 16 years ago as a teenager and Michael would have been one of the first people to meet, welcoming smile always so kind and has helped me so much over the years with things. Here’s a picture of my kids and my friends kids with Michael last Halloween. We will all be sad to see Michael retire. Thank you Michael for everything.
We moved to Delvin 4 years ago from Kildalkey in Co Meath. Michael was the first person to great me in his shop and gave me some useful information about the village parent and toddler group. I went to the group with our then 1 year old daughter and have made some wonderful friends from there. Jessica now attends the local Montessori, Bluebells and absolutely loves it. Michael is always friendly and helpful and I’m certain will be greatly missed in the village shop. To Michael: thank you and best wishes.Lucy, Ian & Jessica
We moved to Delvin 4 years ago from Kildalkey in Co Meath. Michael was the first person to great me in his shop and gave me some useful information about the village parent and toddler group. I went to the group with our then 1 year old daughter and have made some wonderful friends from there. Jessica now attends the local Montessori, Bluebells and absolutely loves it. Michael is always friendly and helpful and I’m certain will be greatly missed in the village shop. To Michael: thank you and best wishes.
Over 20 years ago, I was moving to Delvin, & needed some food supplies. I had my 4 year old grandson with me. I handed over my credit card to pay for €60.00 worth of goods, but at the time Michael had no facilities to process my credit card and I had no cash (my purse was in the furniture truck). I was a total stranger to him, yet he told me I could pay him, the next time I came into his shop, and he handed my grandson Luke, a lollipop. Luke and will never forget this wonderful man for his kindness that day. Michael, we both wish you every happiness and joy in your retirement.Maura
Over 20 years ago, I was moving to Delvin, & needed some food supplies. I had my 4 year old grandson with me. I handed over my credit card to pay for €60.00 worth of goods, but at the time Michael had no facilities to process my credit card and I had no cash (my purse was in the furniture truck). I was a total stranger to him, yet he told me I could pay him, the next time I came into his shop, and he handed my grandson Luke, a lollipop. Luke and will never forget this wonderful man for his kindness that day. Michael, we both wish you every happiness and joy in your retirement.
I was heavily pregnant and desperately seeking somewhere to rent here after my parents moved to the village. I popped into the local shop, a total stranger, and spoke to Michael. Within 2 weeks I had a house and we moved in. We’ve been here three years now and it’s thanks to Michael for his kindness and his help. Always a friendly word and a smile for my daughter and I when we go up to his shop. Delvin really couldn’t have a nicer representative. Thanks Michael.Kayleigh
I was heavily pregnant and desperately seeking somewhere to rent here after my parents moved to the village. I popped into the local shop, a total stranger, and spoke to Michael. Within 2 weeks I had a house and we moved in. We’ve been here three years now and it’s thanks to Michael for his kindness and his help. Always a friendly word and a smile for my daughter and I when we go up to his shop. Delvin really couldn’t have a nicer representative. Thanks Michael.
Dear Michael. Just a note to thank you for your excellent service down through the years. Your good humour and kindness will be remembered by many. You were also a gentle, discreet listening ear to many who felt comfort speaking with you. You often offered advice on matters we may never have discussed with others and indeed pointed us in the right direction occasionally. I hope you have a very long, healthy and happy retirement. We will miss you.Pauline and Pat Linnane
Dear Michael. Just a note to thank you for your excellent service down through the years. Your good humour and kindness will be remembered by many. You were also a gentle, discreet listening ear to many who felt comfort speaking with you. You often offered advice on matters we may never have discussed with others and indeed pointed us in the right direction occasionally. I hope you have a very long, healthy and happy retirement. We will miss you.
Michael has always been the person to go to for information on anything, which really helped when we moved from Dublin in 2004, I will not forget how extremely welcoming and helpful he was to us. All the very best Michael Leonard you will be missed.Griffin family
Michael has always been the person to go to for information on anything, which really helped when we moved from Dublin in 2004, I will not forget how extremely welcoming and helpful he was to us. All the very best Michael Leonard you will be missed.
Michael used to have a telly set up in the shop with a camera pointed into a birds nest, I loved just standing in the shop and looking at the screen. If I ever wanted a chat about wild life (or anything really) , then Michael would be the place to go. Such a pleasant lovely man to chat with, going to really miss him.Margaret
Michael used to have a telly set up in the shop with a camera pointed into a birds nest, I loved just standing in the shop and looking at the screen. If I ever wanted a chat about wild life (or anything really) , then Michael would be the place to go. Such a pleasant lovely man to chat with, going to really miss him.
Michael Leonard is a very friendly, very welcoming and honest person. Whenever we need any help or information, he is always of the best help. You will be truly missed. God bless your coming step in your life.Sr Gabriella and Sr. Philomena (St. George’s Abbey, Delvin)
Michael Leonard is a very friendly, very welcoming and honest person. Whenever we need any help or information, he is always of the best help. You will be truly missed. God bless your coming step in your life.
Best wishes to Michael in his retirement. You will be sorely missed. Michael was always a great advocate for the village. As a former employer of mine I witnessed his many great qualities. He has a demeanor everyone cherishes. Michael wishing you a very enjoyable, restful, healthy retirement “truly deserved”. Denise I
Best wishes to Michael in his retirement. You will be sorely missed. Michael was always a great advocate for the village. As a former employer of mine I witnessed his many great qualities. He has a demeanor everyone cherishes. Michael wishing you a very enjoyable, restful, healthy retirement “truly deserved”.
Michael Leonard retiring? How is the village going to survive without this wonderful man? Even after years of not being around, he remembers your face, your name. Great, friendly and welcoming! I shall sing a song for you, Michael, all good things your way!Martin P
Michael Leonard retiring? How is the village going to survive without this wonderful man? Even after years of not being around, he remembers your face, your name. Great, friendly and welcoming! I shall sing a song for you, Michael, all good things your way!
Michael was always so welcoming to us visitors from overseas (Australia) when we were in Delvin. Thank you Michael.Angela D
Michael was always so welcoming to us visitors from overseas (Australia) when we were in Delvin. Thank you Michael.
Very best wishes to Sharon and David Leavy as they prepare to take over the reins of the store and the post office from Tuesday 4th August.
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