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Born in March 1933 on a farm in Southern Ireland — age six when the war started — 12 years old when it finished.

Although the country was neutral we always lived with the fear that small island would be invaded by the Germans. We soon learned to be self sufficient in everything that affected our daily lives. Life was very tough especially in the winter months — no central heating, no machine for washing — no electricity etc. Everything had to be done with hands on — manual labour.

My chief work was to help out in the farm especially in the summer — running errands, carrying food out to the workmen in the fields, it never seemed to stop.

School life was very strict and misdemeanours were punished with the cane. We also had to carry wood for the open fire at one end of the classroom. There was a very high standard of education and practically everything was learnt by rota — too poor to afford books.

Each member of the family had their own tasks to do before school and after school. We had to walk to school and back about three miles in all.

Life was very simple; no doors were locked at night time. Everybody knew everybody’s business. We lived a very, very happy life.

Items such as sugar, fruit, clothes and of course money was in short supply.

Chief pastimes were the Gaelic games and things in season. We grew most of our own food, potatoes, vegetables etc and had our own milk and meat supply.

All in all it was a very happy and simple life.

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