The Missing Postman

by Fachtna O. Drisceoil

Postman Larry Griffin vanishes during his rounds in Stradbally on Christmas Day 1929. The only clue to what happened was an abandoned bicycle on a deserted country road. The story of the Missing Postman as it became known, made the headlines nationally and overseas, when ten prominent local people were arrested and charged with his murder. The defendants included such pillars of the community as two local Civic Guards, the school teacher, the local publican, his wife and two of their children. &newpara;For eighty years the doors of Stradbally and the Garda files on the case remained firmly shut against anyone trying to investigate the story. Numerous successful libel actions taken by the former defendants further discouraged media interest. However all those involved have passed on. Government files, which cast new light on the case, have recently become available, and in this extraordinary new book, Ó Drisceoil weaves the pieces of the puzzle togther, and reveals the shocking answer to the question - What really happened to Larry Griffin?

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Irish Literature

320 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2011

Reviews

[Helen Carolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love my true crime especially when it's this good. On Christmas day 1929 postman Larry Griffin finished his round in the early evening. Having taken drink in almost every house he stopped at the postman was somewhat the worse for wear. He left the village of Stradbally to cycle the six miles home but never arrived. Over the next few days a search was mounted with no result. It soon became clear that some prominent villagers and gardai knew more than they were willing to admit and might have colluded in the postman's death. To this day despite several investigations neither a body or a suspect has been found in the murder. Excellent read.

[Sandra Donegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! Shocking abuse of power and position back in the day! The resolve shown by all involved to carry this secret to their graves is beyond belief!
Fascinating and well written account of the mystery of Larry Griffin's disappearance. The timeline has been thoroughly explored, and relationships between all involved are presented clearly. Given the barriers faced when investigating this mystery, a great job has been done researching the events and getting them down on paper.

[David Bowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eye opening book about the tragic disappearance and presumed death of a rural postman on Christmas Day 1929.

The lies and dissemination are hard to believe. I suppose that the most frustrating thing for the reader but especially the family of the victim is that it is unknown what actually happened in the end.

Sad but also compelling, it is a story full of intrigue and mystery, which still has an impact to the village today.

[Joe Jameson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fachtna Ó Drisceoil writes a fascinating account of the tale of the missing postman. He goes through the various theories of what might have happened, the people involved in the cover up, the aftermath of life in Stradbally. Right the way through to the lives of the modern day ancestors of those involved. Also shows us some of how things were in old Ireland politically and socially.

[Susan Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well researched and written book about the renowned missing postman, Larry Griffin, from Stradbally in Waterford. This is a shocking account of cover ups, conspiracy and corruption which left a community torn apart, and a family who went to their graves without knowing the truth behind their missing husband/father who, to this day, remains missing.

[Mike O'Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extra star in my review probably due to the fact that I picked this book up on a recent trip over to Ireland and I had coincidentally traveled through the part of Waterford where this all took place. Well-researched and readable account of a missing person mystery from the late 1920's.

[Tara Avila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although an interesting true life account of a tragic story, the book felt very repetitive.

[Paddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well written! Could not put this book down, the mystery was too enthralling! It's nice that after all this time someone has decided to keep Larry Griffin's memory alive by publishing such a fantastic piece of journalism in his honour. I would recommend this book to anyone!

[Suzy Topping · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting case. And not just one person who is thought to have committed the murder. No one was found guilty of his murder and the body was never found. So who did it, by the end of the book the author puts a good case forward, but read it and see if you agree.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit repetitive at times. Factual book so it stuck to the reality of what investigations where like in 1929 in Ireland which I found quite amusing in parts. Interesting read to a point.

[Aileen Mccormick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read, factual. Gave a good insight to small village life in the '20's, & how police investigations were carried out.

[Pat Murphy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A rehash of an old murder in Ireland that appears to have been covered up. Hard to stay interested in this.