I remember tourists coming into the shop and remember it was in the heart of the countryside. But they were met by a family who were able to hold a conversation on any topic worldwide. They had an excellent command of the English language and were knowledgeable, eloquent and articulate. They were dignified, a little bit reserved, hard working and honest but also had a great sense of humour”.

Bill sold the shop in the 1960s and lived in the rented cottage across the road.  He died quite young when he was in his 70s. When he was a boy, he contacted pleurisy and that left him with a weakness. The main house and shop was eventually converted into the Four Seasons Hotel in the 1970s under the ownership of Dan Donovan. It, after a short time, was then converted to the West County Bar owned by Denis Dilworth. There was a South County bar owned by the Dilworth family in Douglas. Today the Williams house is still the property of the Dilworth family. As for the garage, all that remains are the petrol pumps, monuments of modernity. They not only have a fascinating background history but are very much part of the identity of the present day Lee Valley and the wider region. The same can also be very much applied to the people and places written about in the last number of weeks.

To be continued…

Sincere thanks to Oonagh O’Mahony, Kevin O’Mahony, George Williams, Margaret Baker, Martin McCarthy and Pat Carroll for their insights into Bill Williams.

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