Although born in Manchester Tom has a strong Irish heritage with his parents being natives of Mayo and Galway.

As a mechanical engineer, an eternal optimist and a committed entrepreneur he started his own business in his mid twenties and has been self employed ever since. He attributes his community spirit to his parents who involved him and his siblings at an early age in local church and community activities. He served as a City Councillor for over seventeen years and stood for Parliament twice. As he says this was in the days when you did it for the love of the job not the money! This background helps him today as he deals with both national and European governments in support of the self employed. Over the years he has specialised in agriculture and has been appointed to many governments working groups as an advisor on transport, health and safety and use of chemicals in agriculture.

His love of Rotary began in the early seventies when he became a member of the Rotary Club of Manchester, District 1050 and served as District Foundation Chair for three years. His Rotary Service continued in Ireland through the Rotary Clubs of Dublin and Athlone. Tom continued to serve District 1160 in various roles, most notably as Assistant Governor and co-ordinator of Challenge 32 in 2005/6.

He believes that for Rotary to continue for another 100 years we must not only hold fast to our core values but also embrace change. Gradual changes will enable those in full time employment to enjoy being part of the family of Rotary.

Tom says that Bridgid is his greatest supporter and helper. She is no stranger to Rotary being one of the most hardworking non-Rotarians around. Bridgid is looking forward to the challenge of supporting Tom during his year as District Governor, after which she hopes to become a Rotarian herself.