Born in 1809, William J Shaw was a hard working, meticulous and discerning merchant gentleman of his time, who first set up his business in Limerick in 1831. Married to a Martha Duffield, he had three children, two sons, James and Alex and a daughter Anna.

Although a man of an earnest disposition, he was also warm and sociable, blessed with a whimsical yet discreet sense of humour to match any occasion or customer. He was businessman and proprietor, the front of house and master of ceremonies when serving customers; yet was equally at home at his counter as he was selecting and preparing his quality sliced cooked meats.

“Mr Shaw” as he was respectfully known by his loyal staff was a Master Victualler and proud of his trade, who expected a high standard of customer service from those who worked for him. He also realised the importance and value of his reputation. In the unlikely event of a customer being unhappy with a cut of meat, it is most probable that it would have been replaced with solemn apologies, discretion and without charge. Privately he would have been mortified. Why?... He surely knew only one way to produce quality meats and that was The Shaws Way…