John "Botha" Roach, was born in Moneen, Castlebar, in the early part of the 1900s. From an early age he showed a keen interest in animals and in later years he worked with Flannellys, butchers and cattle jobbers, Castlebar. In this capacity "Botha" travelled all over Mayo to fairs. He was, as a neighbour one time remarked, "as tough as nails." There is an incident told where "Botha," when a horse bolted and was coming towards him at a fast pace, he put one of his palms in front of the horse and the animal immediately came to a halt. Apparently it is a gift given to some people.
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