Date of Birth: 19th April 1927

Place of Birth: Westland, Duncannon, Co. Wexford

Date Interviewed: 28th October 2009

Summary: Patsy Downes describes the life of a Duncannon fisherman – from salmon fishing to drift-netting for herring. Local buyer Jack Doyle had a shed on the quay and bought the salmon which were then sent on to Flanagans in Waterford. Herrings were counted and sold “by the mace”. Fishing nets then had to be repaired and hung up to dry or they would rot. Patsy recalls a tragedy during the herring season when four local fishermen drowned. Patsy also owned a garage for several years and a shop. He also showed films and held dances in the family-owned hall in Duncannon, and played accordion on a band which featured his sister on drums.