Patrick Lambert (b. 1928)

Patrick Lambert is a retired farmer and he was recorded at his home in Rathfarnham, which was once part of the Massy Estate. In the 1940s Patrick’s father, Bob Lambert, was allocated the land by the Land Commission. He had taken a prominent part in the War of Independence in Wexford and Patrick explains his involvement. Bob Lambert was a member of the first Dáil and supported de Valera. In 1926 he emigrated to Australia, where Patrick was born. The family returned to Ireland and set up home in Coolock, and Patrick has a clear memory of helping his father drive all their livestock from Coolock to Killakee when they relocated there. The Lamberts became famous for the great potatoes they produced, and when Patrick inherited the farm he developed the business by improving the dairying, tillage and fruit growing.