An apparently good-humoured and courteous hold-up in the Kilmeaden area in late May 1921, a couple of months before the War of Independence ended, and seven before the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty.

Rural postmen were meant to abide by a book of (166) rules issued by the UK Government that year. A move away from all things British Rule, including mail insignia, gradually followed the dawn of the Irish Free State when the Post Office services in the 26 counties became known as The Post & Telegraphs.

According to the National Museum of Ireland, under the rules that prevailed in 1921:

Postmen were warned that intemperance in general, whether on or off duty, would endanger their retention in the Service. The postal service’s aversion to alcohol even extended to a ban on postmen being connected directly or indirectly with the ownership or management of an inn, public house or off-license.