* Born 12th April 1816 in Co Monaghan to a prosperous family
* Dogged with ill health throughout his life.
* Intrinsically involved in 1848 rebellion.
* Set up famous 'Nation' Newspaper on release from jail.
* Set sails for Australia with his family in 1855 and received a
hero's welcome in Melbourne.
* Elected to the Australian Parliament in 1856 and served as Minister for Public Works.
* Continually rowed with Irish political figures in Australia and Ireland
* Became Prime Minister of Victoria in 1871
* In 1873 he accepted a knighthood from Queen Victoria, much to the anger of his Irish co-horts
* Retired to Southern France and died in 1903 - his remains were sent to Ireland where they received full national honours