Pity the linguistic summersaults required of a debutant postman finding his feet in the baronies of Magunihy and Truhanacmy. In a corner of the Kingdom where an address can vault vowels into an alphabetical foxtrot, imagine the mental dexterity required for correct mail delivery on the byways and boreens of Tooreennahone, Tooreennascarty, Tooreennasliggaun and Tooreennastooka.
A few miles in any direction across those Kerry hills and said postie will need keen eyes to distinguish Rossacroobeg from Rossacroonaloo, not to mention the differing geographic joys between Mweennalaa, Cappyantanvally and Lisheennashingane. One can only guess how many times slow-witted mailmen must endure the exasperation of irate locals: “For the umpteenth time, Seán, this is Cummeennabuddoge, sure ’tis Cummeenduvasig you want!”
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