Ballinrobe's American soldiers.

Mattie Joyce

Photo by Bernard Joyce

From Cornaroya to Korea

By Bernard Joyce

Martin (Mattie) Joyce

Matty (Martin) Joyce from Creagh Road, having worked in the Ritz cinema, Bridge Street and J.B.Staunton's garage, Abbey Street, went to America in March 1961 at the age of 17.

Enlisted

Eighteen months later, rather than waiting to be drafted he enlisted in the army. On completion of his basic training in New Jersey, he was stationed in Nebraska with a missile battalion for the duration of his 2 years service.

New York Telephone Co

Returning to civilian life he went back to his job with the New York Telephone Co.

Marriage & Retirement

He married Breeda O'Connell from Co Limerick and settled in New Jersey. Retiring from NYTC at the ripe old age of 55 spends his leisure time fishing off the Jersey shore and travelling the world, being a frequent visitor to his home town Ballinrobe.