Date of Birth: 7th February 1916

Place of Birth: Ballaghkeen, Co. Wexford

Date Interviewed: 23rd February 2009

Summary: When Jim was 12 years old he was sent to Artane in Dublin where he learned his trade as a shoemaker and was also taught saddlery and furniture-making. He eventually returned home and picked up work on local farms. He got involved in digging wells and could divine the presence of water using a ‘sally’ stick. During the years of WW2 he made a wind turbine and was the only person in the area with electric lighting. Jim also made his own ammunition and would hunt at night using a headlight attached to his gun. He was also adept at making his own money which brought him to the attention of the police who came and searched his house. The court case that followed took 3 years to complete and they had to try Jim on a 16th century law! Jim spent 3 months in Mountjoy prison where he became popular with the warders by making them comfortable leather boots.