Area: Geashill
Started: December 1955
Finished: September 1956
Poles used: 1274
Line used (km): 110
Premises connected: 175
The figures above were sourced from our REO News magazine, to learn more about what these figures mean, visit our interactive map. The map above shows the area boundary and is from a digitised version of the original map used during the scheme.
Few difficulties were encountered in Geashill according to The REO News from February 1957.
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"Geashill Rural Area, Co. Offaly: Both clerical and police assistance came in useful to Mr. H. D. O’Keeffe during the construction of the Geashill Rural Area. The local Archdeacon and the Garda Sergeant stood in for the non‑existent Committee in helping with consumer problems etc. Not many difficulties cropped up in the actual construction work, but water was met with frequently both in the ground and over it, as we gather from the report that the weather was not of the best.
It seems that the area is more than usually well served by our friends in the Post Office, as over 40 Post Office Crossings had to be erected. A nett gain of 52 consumers was recorded, the original number of economic acceptances being 342. It was not possible, however, to maintain the financial return.
Mr. O’Keeffe suggests that Mr. Frank Kelly’s fine sales total of £2,511 almost merits our re‑publishing his Christmas Portrait. We almost would too if Mr. Gestetner had only made provision for such great efforts.
The high‑light of his sales programme was the installation of 18 Pressure Storage Water Systems in the area, subsequent to the suspension of the Department of Agriculture Grant Scheme. 11 Cookers, 13 Washing Machines and 34 Irons, with other appliances, formed the balance of the sales made. Mr. O’Keeffe feels that Mr. Kelly has exhausted the sales potential of the area for some time to come. We would nearly have a bet with him on this, however, as the neighbours are not going to be outdone by the fortunate people who have the benefits of supply already to hand.
In addition to thanking his Supervisor, Mr. Bradley, and the staff for their efforts, Mr. O’Keeffe adds a word of appreciation for the co‑operation of the District Office and Head Office during the development of the Geashill area."