Mikie Moyles (b. 1939)

Mikie Moyles is from Crossmolina and he joined Bord na Móna when he reached the age of 17 years. At that time things were very bad economically and he was attempting to get together the financial means to emigrate to America. He settled for a car instead! All the local men employed by Bord na Móna were seasonal workers, which suited them very well because of their small holdings. There was great competition amongst them to progress to driving duties. He recalls working 10 hour shifts from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week during the production period. It was good to have local knowledge of the area and its terrain because of the danger of the sinking of machinery in the bogs. In 2004, Mikie Moyles retired when Bord na Móna and the E.S.B. left the area and he recalls the real disappointment and devastation locally when the news of these closures became known.