Tributes paid to shopkeeper, 92, who once owned all three stores in Limerick town

THE LATE William (Billy) Parkinson, who was laid to rest this Tuesday, has left an indelible mark on the town of Kilmallock.

The successful businessman, who once owned all three shops in the town, was commended by President Michael D Higgins and Mayor John Moran at the National Famine Commemoration in Kilmallock in May.

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Mayor Moran said: “I would like to take this opportunity to commend the then organising committee and their families, whose sterling efforts brought about this Memorial Park. 

“I should particularly like to mention William Parkinson, chair of that committee, and Pat Gubbins who are with us today.”

Local councillor Greg Conway said it was lovely that Mr Parkinson, aged 92, was at the National Famine Commemoration to hear the tributes.

“He attended the national event and was in great health that day. He was one of the founder members who started doing up Bully’s Acre where we now have the Famine Memorial Park. 

“It was a common grave in Millmount where all the people were buried from the workhouse during the Famine,” explained  Cllr Conway (pictured below with Mr Parkinson at the commemoration in May).

The Fine Gael councillor said Mr Parkinson was a very good businessman who once owned the three existing shops in the town - SuperValu, Gala and Spar near the courthouse. Cllr Conway is one of the few to have a rare old Parkinson’s shopping bag at home.

“He ran the three of them with his late son John who tragically died from cancer. John was a very nice man just like his father. They are a lovely family,” said Cllr Conway, who extended his sympathies to the family.

Mr Parkinson and his late wife Anne had six children - the late John, Tom, Liam, Harry, Rose and Síle.

The  great grandfather’s resilience was shown after a fire in his flagship store.

“He was dealt a major blow when SuperValu on Lord Edward was totally destroyed by fire during the 1980s. I was working with Kilmallock Fire Service at the time.

"It was on a Sunday evening and it was one of the biggest fires ever witnessed in the area. Kilmallock, Cappamore, Charleville and Rathkeale fire services attended. Mr Parkinson rebuilt a totally new shop from the foundation up,” said Cllr Conway.

Fellow councillor, PJ Carey also recalled Mr Parkinson fondly.

“He was a wonderful employer in Kilmallock for many years,” said Cllr Carey. 

As well as being commended  by President Higgins in turning Bully’s Acre in the Famine Memorial Park, Cllr Carey said Mr Parkinson was also a great help to Kilmallock AC when they were converting the old tennis courts into the athletics grounds. 

May he rest in peace.