Date of Birth: 2nd January 1929

Place of Birth: Neamstown, Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford

Date Interviewed: 26th April 2011

Summary: John Barry grew up in the heart of Kilmore Quay and recalls how the village looked during his early years. All the cottages were thatched with no running water or electricity. He walked to the local school, played rounders and ‘hunt the fox’ with friends, and went swimming off the end of the pier. John had a lucky escape during the war years. As army officers carried out a controlled explosion on a washed-up mine John was too close and was cut by flying shrapnel. Among other things he has worked at lobster fishing, as a relief postman, and for the Office of Public Works. He was present on Great Saltee in 1956 as Michael O’Neill, wearing a crown and ceremonial robe, declared himself to be the Prince of The Saltees.