Pat James Duffy (Part 1)

Pat James Duffy, a great storyteller and writer, was born in 1930 in Killavil. His ancestors were shoemakers by trade, and Pat James tells many tales about their trade and craftsmanship. He recalls spending many happy Sunday evenings playing a game called ‘throwing the bullet’ which he describes vividly. He discusses the great craftsmanship involved in making scythes and explains the importance of having a good edge. He also shares stories of many old superstitions and cures. He discusses the fair in Ballymote and the start in the early hours of the morning, getting the cattle out on the road and the people singing and driving bargains at the fair.