Bill was born in Broadford county Limerick. He studied in St. Pats Training college Drumcondra and was appointed to a teaching post in JFK Memorial school on the Ennis Road in 1967.
Gaelic football was the predominant sport in the school and Na Piarsaigh during the 1970s. At the end of the decade Bill organised a hurling coaching course in conjunction with well known coach Joe McGrath. This had the effect of projecting hurling to the forefront in the northside of Limerick city.
JFK succeeded in winning the Olo Cup for the first time in 1981 beating CBS Sexton street in the final and subsequently Na Piarsaigh won their first county hurling U12 championship with Bill as coach. In the 1983 Olo Cup the defending champions JFK played Scoil Chríost Rí, Caherdavin. This was the first time two northside city schools contested the final with Caherdavin winning their first Olo Cup in a classic final. Bill was a founding member of Cumann Na mBunscol Luimneach and first Chairman in 1983 which organised the Sarsfield Cup for football and the Mackey Cup for hurling which are an integral part of the Limerick GAA calendar today.
Bill pictured with a JFK Olo Cup team in 1996
Bill brought his drive and talent to bear on various Na Piarsaigh teams. In 1983 Na Piarsaigh qualified for the national finals of Féile na nGael U14 hurling. Bill was again part of the management team and in 1984 the club won the Christy Ring Cup for the first time.
Bill went on to coach county championship winning teams in U21 and Junior hurling. He was a passionate driving force behind the club's progression to senior hurling in 1995. With many others he made an immense contribution.
A passionate Bill rallies the troops.
Bill coached Limerick county minor and U21 teams in the late 80's and early 90's. Bill had great vision. He also ran summer hurling camps across the county well before Cúl Camps came about which were recognised as a great success in promoting the game of hurling. His camp motto was "Practice Makes Perfect"
Bill went on to become principal of JFK Memorial school and was instrumental in delivering the modern school building which was opened in 2012.
Suaimhneas siorai dá anam
Bill with the Primary Game team in 1997, in Semple Stadium.
