James Boyd Jr. : Short Biography

James Boyd Jr. (1879-1950), aka ‘Old Jim Boyd’, married his first cousin Kate Collins of Canbo in 1913.

In 1914 James Boyd, by way of the Land Purchas Act, bought their Ballinvilla family farm outright from their landlord. In 1923 he took over the Collins’ farmland in Ballinvilla (originally owned by Mary Barrett & Daniel Collins). ​

Old Jim Boyd died on 03 Jun 1950. He was described in the Leitrim Observer as

“A well-known farmer and stock owner, who was a  popular and respected figure at midland fairs. Father of the county GAA players, the Boyd brothers, to whom sympathy is extended, deceased was an ardent supporter of every Irish movement”. 

James Boyd’s sons were all tall, good-looking men. They were very well read and big into history and discussions about the World Wars. At least three of them studied in NIHE (now DCU) in Dublin.  At least two were County Roscommon Gaelic Football players.

Leitrim Observer Saturday, November 16, 1940

ROSCOMMON VICTORY

Our congratulations to the Roscommon footballers who, by their five points victory over a redoubtable fifteen representing Cavan, retained their record and strengthened their position in their group of the National League. It was a very fine and close contest and Roscommon emerged victors after a ding-dong struggle. Seán O’Callaghan in his Sunday night review of the game in Radió Éireann, paid a well-deserved tribute to the all-round ability shown by the Roscommon team, and singled out for special mention, a new addition to it, in the person of Mr Hugh Boyd, Ballinvilla, Carrick-on-Shannon, who contributed in no small way to Roscommon’s success.

Jim’s estate (£1,591 3s 0d) was granted to his son Desmond Boyd, farmer.  Jim’s wife, Kate, died on Nov. 7 1961. Their daughter, Sr Declan, was on the missions in Africa at the time.