Date of Birth: 6th October 1924

Place of Birth: Monasootha, Camolin, Co. Wexford

Date Interviewed: 22nd June 2009

Summary: James Byrne was one of 8 children and remembers that times for his parents were tough and money was scarce. He has been involved in farming all his life and talks of the different farming practices of the time. His father was one of the first to start growing sugar beet and James recalls the long hours getting the beet ready to travel by train to the sugar factory. A favourite activity was ferreting and he describes the techniques used to hunt rabbit. He helped dig graves when required and was adept at tying the special knot used when castrating bulls!