Born in Wexford in 1849 or 1850.

Head Gardener in Simmonscout Castle (now part of the RDS) owned by John McCann (millionaire stockbroker and Member of Parliament. )

Lived in gate lodge with wife and children.

Alice Young (grandmother of Neil) and her brothers and sister were regular visitors (circa 1916) and played in grounds.

One of his sons drowned at about 12 years of age in the pond in Herbert Park.

Tom would give his grand-children fruit from the estate in exchange for a kiss (much dreaded by children as he had a bushy peroxided beard! )

Tom won the Perpetual Challenge Cup three years in a row for his roses and garden display ( the only three-time winner ).