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William "Billy" Byrne was the father of Michael Byrne, and the husband of Katherine Byrne.

Billy was physically abusive towards his wife and Michael's mother, Katherine, when Michael was young. Eventually, Michael had attacked his father and left him in a coma, as explained by the newspaper article spreading around the school. In Series 8 Episode 4, with persuasion from Sian Diamond, Billy promises to talk to Gerard Findlay to stop the protest against Michael. Billy confronts Gerard, confirming that his broken arm and vendetta against Michael is a con.

In Series 8 Episode 5, Sian explains to Billy that she failed to convince Michael to visit him.

In Series 8 Episode 6, Michael visits Billy, angry that he used Sian to get to him. Michael confronts Billy about the abuse he suffered under him.

In Series 8 Episode 7, the two of them finally reconcile. Billy tells Michael that he is proud of him and apologises for what happened. He later tells Michael that he is dying. In Series 8 Episode 8, Billy asks Michael to assist him in dying.

In Series 8 Episode 10, Billy dies from a drug overdose administered by himself, however the bottle of pills was opened by Michael Byrne at Billy's request. Michael was later arrested for culpable homicide. The charges were dropped against Michael in Series 8 Episode 11.

Quotes[]

  • "Ye wee rascals! See if I get my hands on ye! The polis they're needing...or a firm hand!" (first line)

  • "I'll talk to Gerard. His uncle and I used to work down the docks - Gerard's alright, he's just a bit highly strung. I know where he has his lunch."

  • Billy: "Gerard Findlay's a fraud. There's nothing wrang wi his airm."
  • Gerard: "I have a slight sprain. The doctor said I should wear this as a precaution."
  • Billy: "The barman told me he hit his head on a table trying to swing for my son!"
  • Gerard: "Doesn't change the fact he nearly killed you though, does it? Once a thug, always a thug!"
  • Billy: "My name's William Byrne. I'm Michael's father. It's true that he put me in hospital, but that was a long time ago. I was in intensive care for three days. I deserved every punch and every kick. I don't know about you, but I reckon you reap what you sow. An eye for an eye, that's what you get...it's what you get for being a wife beater. And I never pressed charges, cos I knew my family had suffered enough already."
  • Gerard: "He's still got a violent streak as wide as the M8."
  • Billy: "I'd quit while I was ahead if I were you!"

  • Billy: "D'you wanna make a dying man happy?"
  • Sian: "I-"
  • Billy: "Oh, don't worry, it's nothing saucy. I want to see Michael before I die."
  • Sian: "I'm sure he will come when he sees how serious your situation is."
  • Billy: "But I want to make peace, I don't want his pity."

  • "I've lived alone all these years, I'm sure I can manage to die alone."

  • "None of it was her fault, you know that, don't ye? She wanted to take you away with her, but...I wouldn't let her. She loved you. We both did."

  • "Doc says I've got three months, maybe four. I don't want that. I want to go when I choose, here, with my family beside me. You do that for me, son? Will you help me die?"

  • "You should go now, son. You don't need this." (final line)
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