JIMMY BOLAND, AGE 77, NAAS

Jimmy Boland began his adult life working for the farmers in Baldonnell as his father had done before him. He spent some time during the war years operating a horse-drawn vehicle for the local paper mills. His first experience of mechanical work in a garage was with Andy Clancy at Newland’s Cross. After serving his time there he moved to Drimnagh Garage, run by Tommy Allan, working weekends only. He then moved to Ballsbridge where he worked for the Esmonds. His lucky break came when he bought Clancy’s Garage in Newland’s Cross in 1958 with Tom Cruise. In 1959 he began a vintage car collection, which is now the largest in the country.