Appreciation

Billy Woods

Bill (Billy) Woods The term "gentleman" was coined with Billy Woods in mind. Billy's personal and business relationships were all based on scrupulous honesty and regard for the individual. Billy never spoke ill of anyone. He was affable and unflappable.

Billy joined us in 1971 in the old Dublin South District in Brewery Road having spent a few years at sea as a radio officer. His background was ideal because we were a bit at sea ourselves in the wake of Billing, Bank and Post strikes. He worked in Revenue with icons such as Jimmy Ryan and Tomas MacGiolla and Billy understood customer service long before it was fashionable. Such was his easy approach with people that even when a customer had to be disconnected the relationship never soured.

He brought his easy logical mind to his role initially as a Systems Analyst in ITS when he left Leopardstown in 1977. He went on to make his mark in areas such as HR systems, IT Planning and he was a trail blazer in the whole area of web design when it was a brand new concept. His expertise was invaluable and was freely shared with anyone who wanted a steer. Billy was the ultimate unassuming team player.

He got involved in road running while in Leopardstown with Peter Farrelly and a gang and he went on to complete a number of marathons.

Billy decided to avail of the voluntary severance in 2004 and this allowed himself and Olive to realise their travel dreams. There was hardly a corner of the world that escaped them. By chance a few of us met up on a trip to Barcelona and Madrid last year and the craic was ninety. In his typical way Billy never sought or made allowance for his illness and took full part in everything.

Billy and Olive married in the mid seventies and this was certainly a match made up above. Their relationship was very special. They were justly proud of their children Keith and Elaine and their families especially grandchild Molly who was born a few weeks before Billy died.

Billy was a good guy who is missed by all who knew him. Our sympathy goes to Olive and the family.

Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.