Interviewed by Louise Tierney / photos by Emma O’Brien

Louise: How long have you lived in the area?
James: 71 years.

Louise: What’s a fond memory you have of living here?
James: I wouldn’t like to live anywhere else- it is a lovely area and has nice people and good neighbours.

Louise: Have you seen this community come back from hard times before?
James: Yes, I have. There’s plenty of money around now, not like when I was a child. It is a lot easier to live now.

Louise: What are some things that have helped you through lockdown and what brings you joy?
James: Farming and going for my daily walk helped me though lockdown. Visiting the grandkids from a distance brings me joy and happiness.

Louise: What does community mean to you? What sort of things are you doing now to stay connected to your community and family?
James: Community means everything! If you didn’t have community, you would be lost. I go to football matches – club and county, to mass and the mart to meet people and for walks to meet neighbours.

Louise: What message do you want to share for yourself and this community in 10 years time?
James: Keep up the good work around the pitch and continue the marvellous stuff they have done. It is a credit to the past and present of the Dromard community- may it continue. Come back again in 10 years time and I’ll give you my opinion again!

Pictured below is a sketch Louise submitted as a creative response to her interview with James and his admiration for the Dromard community and the work done around the pitch. Also shown are images from James’ shoot with photographer Emma O’Brien.