WHAT YEAR DID YOU START WORKING IN CASEYS? TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU ENDED UP WORKING THERE.
I started working in Caseys in 1966. My father had been working in Caseys for many years. I became his apprentice in the store and trained with him. Back then we had to fill out time sheets and I wrote in ‘working with dad’ for my shifts.
WHAT MAKES CASEYS SO SPECIAL IN YOUR OPINION?
I think the fact that Caseys is a family business and has seen multiple generations come through the shop gives it a unique feel. Caseys always feels like a family and I think that helps staff but also the customers notice it.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE MORE DIFFICULT TIMES, THE BUSINESS HAS SURVIVED SOME CHALLENGES OVER THE PAST 100 YEARS?
The very high interest and mortgage time in the 80’s was a very difficult time. Tough to get a sale at times and every sale mattered. Unemployment was very bad in Ireland, I was delighted to have my job in Caseys. The troubles in Northern Ireland had major effects on business as well. Ireland was an uncomfortable place to be at the time.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE OF CASEYS?
I hope that Caseys keeps its identity because it is becoming more and more unique for there to be a family business still run by the family.
SPEAKING WITH WILLIAM...
WHAT YEAR DID YOU START WORKING IN CASEYS? TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU ENDED UP WORKING THERE.
I started working in Caseys almost 52 years ago now. My nextdoor neighbour had been working in Caseys for the summers and couldn’t do it anymore so his mother recommended me to Jim Casey for the summer job. I did 3 consecutive Summers after that before sitting my leaving cert.
YOU HAVE GIVEN OVER 50 YEARS OF SERVICE TO CASEYS, WHAT KEPT YOU THERE ALL THOSE YEARS?
I felt very at home at Caseys! I was a quiet individual, but it gave me confidence. I knew everyone at Caseys and everyone knew me.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT FROM YOUR TIME WORKING IN CASEYS?
I have a lot of great memories from Caseys but unfortunately my most prominent memory in Caseys is when I forgot to lock one door in the evening and as a result, we had some furniture taken that night. The furniture was later returned undamaged.
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT FROM YOUR TIME IN CASEYS?
I was able to buy my first house while working in Caseys which was a moment of great pride for me. My proudest Caseys moment was the Irish Goods Council display (all Irish furniture). I was heavily involved in the organisation of the event and got public recognition from Jim Casey for my hard work.
