Ballinrobe's American soldiers.

Photo:Mattie Joyce

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.

This page was added by Ian Grant on 30/09/2013.
Comments about this page

This is my uncle that married Breeda O' Connell from Co. Limerick who happens to be my Aunt. She passed away at the young age of 61... 

A woman with a heart of gold that is missed today.............

By michael
On 20/03/2014

Wow, I believe I know this person!

What an awesome person he is to this day and I am proud to call him my Uncle.

By margaret power
On 08/10/2013