Beloved Roscrea businessman retires after over 70-years service

Pictured above marking Bobby's retirement above outside Pattersons Hardware, a landmark business on Roscrea's Main Street, are local Councillor Michael Smith, Kinsley Lewis, Sue Minihan, Bobby Patterson, Brian Colclough, from Bernie's SuperValu, Colin Patterson and Deidre Moore from neighbouring Roscrea store, SuperValu. Photo: PJ Wright

ROSCREA'S Main Street has several landmark businesses which have stood the test of time and become woven into the town's identity - and one man who has also withstood the test of time and built one of those businesses stepped away from the helm this week after 80-years of service.

Bobby Williams began working in Pattersons on Main Street in Roscrea in April 1955 alongside his uncle, Tom Patterson.

Bobby has now been working in Pattersons for the last 70 years and retired over the weekend, handing the reins to his son Colin.

Speaking to the Tribune on the first Monday morning of his retirement Bobby said he has already started to become bored and plans to keep busy.

He said he has enjoyed every moment of his working life and sincerely thanked each and every customer over seven decades - many of whom called in over recent days to thank him in return.

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Bobby witnessed many changes in his beloved hometown over his working years and recalled that on his first day in 1955 what is now the neighbouring shop Bernie's SuperValu was then Denis Grimes' hardware and coal yard and on the other side, what is now the former Moran's clothing store, was then a small grocery shop operated by Ponty Carey.

Bobby and his uncle pictured outside the old shopfront

Over the years he expanded the premises three times into what became one of the town's most cherished shops - where almost everything from a needle to an anchor was available at arms reach.

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“Even though he is taking a step back we are sure that he will be in and out of the shop on many, many occasions and only too happy to meet you all”, the staff at Pattersons said.

“Many people came and wished Bobby all the best in his retirement. He was only delighted to see you and have a chat."

Bobby Patterson in the shop which he built over 70 years on Roscrea's Main Street