Williams, Thomas Patrick (Tom)

Date of Birth: 12th March 1941

Place of Birth: Taghmon

Date Interviewed: 5th December 2008

Summary: Tom Williams grew up in Taghmon village and his earliest memories are of his parents’ bakery and the smell of fresh bread. When Tom was about 9 he was allowed to head off on his own with a pony and cart delivering bread around the village. Tom’s republican father was involved in activities with Bob Lambert and this did not make him popular with their pro-British neighbours. Tom recalls some of the great sporting characters of Taghmon and surrounding areas and tells of some amusing incidents that took place both on and off the playing field. After some time in banking Tom got involved in the family bakery and successfully expanded the business. However he believes that the bread of today compares poorly with the wonderful batch loaves of his childhood! Tom has always been interested in history and helped form the Taghmon Historical Society of which he is currently President. Apart from the Society’s publications Tom has written books on sport and history and has produced comprehensive family histories, including an in-depth look at the Williams family.