'Walking miracle' farmer who survived tractor accident celebrates 60th wedding anniversary

However, he has made a remarkable recovery to celebrate 60 years of marriage to his wife Margaret. It was a celebration his family feared they’d never see.

His daughter Hazel said: “With daddy having the tractor accident at beginning of June we are so blessed that he escaped with his life at his age with the injuries he had but he’s a walking miracle and on the mend as if nothing happened.”

James and his wife Margaret brought Ballycastle town centre to a standstill when they married 60 years ago.

Hazel said: “An American TV crew were in Ballycastle that day, which was almost unheard of back at the time. They had a donkey and cart with them. When news got about that a wedding was taking place, the TV company asked if they could take pictures of a traditional Irish style wedding, and the happy couple obliged.

"The pictures were screened worldwide. There wasn’t so much fuss for their 60th anniversary but still time to reminisce and recall the price of a three course meal which was ten shillings and their honeymoon which they spent at a football match in Omagh.”

Hazel said: “There were 60 guests at their reception in the Antrim Arms in Ballycastle which would have been almost unheard of back then."

Sixty years later on July 16 a family gathering for 126 people was held in Ballinlea Orange Hall.

Members of Craiganee Accordian band played hymns as people arrived. Included in the band is Joyce McNeill who was flower girl at the wedding 60 years ago.

Hazel said: “Although my parents are both well into their 80s, their lifestyles might have slowed up a bit but with their family of three children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who all live nearby, life is good and certainly not quiet or dull.

"They are very thankful and humble for all the gifts. We were just so humbled to get so many family members together for a happy event as we know most people now only meet up at weddings or funerals.”